In February 2022, ABM’s AID raised an appeal to support the most vulnerable people affected by floods in Eastern Australia. At that time, the floods were mainly in NSW and Queensland.

In October 2022, as floods ravage all four states of Eastern Australia, ABM’s AID is extending our flood appeal.

Since the destructive bushfires of 2019-20, Australia seems to be facing increasingly frequent extreme weather events. Following floods in Southeast Queensland and NSW in February 2022, even more widespread floods in October 2022 are overwhelming towns across Tasmania, Victoria, and NSW (with floods also expected in Queensland).

Every day our news bulletins bring more pictures of submerged houses, roads and farmlands. For many people, the floods are not just on their television or computer screens but swirling around their living rooms.
In October 2022, more lives have been lost, countless homes and businesses have been damaged, and evacuations continue. In many areas, roads have been closed and power has been cut.

AID acknowledges the many other appeals seeking to provide practical assistance to people made homeless, or whose livelihoods have been destroyed.

However, AID will partner with affected Anglican Dioceses for the longer-term recovery and rebuilding in flood-affected areas. We will support the Church to fill some of the gaps that inevitably arise following such natural disasters.

Your support will let people affected by the floods know that they have not been forgotten, and we will walk with them along their road to recovery.

PRAYER FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY THE FLOODS

Eternal God,
let the waters recede and spare your people.
We ask for your mercy
on those affected by the floods in Australia.
We pray for those who have died,
and ask that your send your Spirit to console their loved ones.
Pierce our hearts with compassion for those
who have lost their homes, businesses or animals.
May they have the courage and energy
to face the long road ahead:
the clean-up, the rebuilding and the difficult decisions.
Keep our hearts and minds on the needs of those impacted,
both now and in the months ahead.
We make this prayer through Jesus Christ.

Amen.