Samaritan’s Purse Joins the Cleanup After Cyclone Jasper

A Samaritan’s Purse disaster relief team has travelled to the Gold Coast this week, to join in the cleanup efforts in the wake of Extratropical Cyclone Jasper.

Since Christmas Day, severe storm events connected to Cyclone Jasper have devastated the Gold Coast, Logan and Scenic Rim region, taking at least 10 lives and damaging an estimated 1000 homes and businesses.

The SP staff and volunteers are working in the most heavily impacted communities in the Gold Coast, in partnership with CrossLife Church in Upper Commera. The church is operating as a hub to store recovery equipment and vehicles, and SP volunteers and staff are being hosted by church members.

The major scope of work for the disaster relief teams is green waste removal, including assisting with fallen trees and garden and home clean-ups.

"Recovering from this disaster particularly when it comes to those severely damaged and destroyed households, that’s going to take years,” Premier Steven Miles told the media.

He said that labour and supplies in the construction industry are under pressure and will struggle to keep up with the demand, making the support of volunteers even more vital.

To volunteer, donate, and to follow coverage of the flood relief response, visit the Samaritan’s Purse Gold Coast response page.

Feature image: Samaritan's Purse volunteers on the Gold Coast. (Supplied)