COFFS HARBOUR, AUSTRALIA
Coffs Harbour, New South Wales residents watched anxiously as waters rapidly rose on March 31, eventually flooding many parts of the town and neighboring areas. Coffs Harbour recorded up to 440mm of rain in 24 hours and Nambucca recorded 700mm in 48 hours. Serious flooding was experienced around the Nambucca and Bellinger rivers and Coffs Creek, with media reporting this to be the worst flood in 100 years with more than 1,000 people being evacuated with many areas being isolated because of road closures.
Many members of the Coffs Harbour Branch's homes were affected by the floods, and all members were involved in clean-up efforts within the town over the coming days. Fortunately, there were no injuries resulting from the floods, and all Church members and the meetinghouse were safe.
Branch President Brad Alfred said homes of three members were seriously damaged because of the flooding.
"Some had water damage inside and others had mud remaining when the water receded," he said.
Fellow members spent many hours cleaning and removing furniture from those homes as well as helping nearby neighbors. An investigator desiring to join the Church also received help from branch members when flood waters reached her home.
Two missionaries from the Australia North Sydney Mission assigned in Coffs Harbour were of great assistance, President Alfred said. Elder Jaran Richards of St. Anthony, Idaho, and Elder Mathew Moffitt of Mesa, Ariz., worked tirelessly to provide much-needed help over the following days.
