When the rain stops or the winds finally ease, it doesn’t always feel like the end of a natural disaster event. For many Australians, the real challenge begins in the days, weeks and months after a flood or cyclone. The silence can feel eerie – streets coated in mud, fridges and furniture piled high on kerbs, and neighbours standing together in disbelief.
Geoff Evans, Co-founder and former CEO of Disaster Relief Australia, has seen those scenes time and again through more than 20 years of attending disaster recoveries across Australia and the world.
“People expect life to snap back quickly,” says Geoff. “But even after the water goes, you’re left with damaged homes, lost belongings, and the stress of navigating support systems. It’s exhausting – but it’s also when resilience is built.”
The Australian Red Cross reminds us that recovery after natural disasters may not necessarily mean bouncing back to the way things were before. Instead, the focus may shift to finding a “new normal”. No two disasters or severe weather events are the same, and recovery rarely follows a linear path – however, common patterns do emerge in how recovery unfolds.1
The first days after a disaster are generally focused on the clean-up and often bring a shared sense of survival.1 This “honeymoon period” can last up to three weeks.2
But as the months progress, survivors can often experience feelings of anger, frustration, exhaustion and disillusionment. Generally, over time, these feelings tend to subside and a community slowly recovers.1
“It’s not uncommon for people who’ve evacuated their homes not to come back for weeks, even months,” says Geoff. “That’s the reality of recovery – it takes far longer than most expect.”
This guide draws on Geoff’s lived experience and expert advice, alongside resources from emergency services, and government and community organisations, to help you navigate recovery in practical, achievable steps.
Step 1: Don’t go it alone – tap into community support
After a natural disaster or severe weather event, feelings of isolation can lead to loneliness and mental health or relationship problems, and make the clean-up ahead seem impossible.3 The good news is that help is usually at hand, with local councils, charities and volunteer groups often among the first to roll up their sleeves. For example:
- State Emergency Services (SES) and local councils coordinate clean-up programs and safety assessments.
- Australian Red Cross often offers outreach and psychological first aid in disaster-affected communities.
- Disaster Relief Australia deploys trained volunteers – many ex-military – who cut through fallen trees, clear mud and help rebuild.
“One of the greatest values of neighbours helping neighbours is the support it gives to those who feel overwhelmed – especially older people living alone,” says Geoff.
“After a flood, these people often walk into a home full of ruined possessions and think, ‘I just don’t know where to start’. But with a neighbour’s help, or with the help of a few volunteers, simply tackling one room together can give them the momentum they need.”
Step 2: Get help as soon as possible – lean on financial assistance
The cost of recovery after a natural disaster can be overwhelming for many Australians. A single ruined fridge or damaged lounge set is one thing, but entire rooms of ruined furniture and appliances stacked on the street are another. Even small grants could make a difference, so it’s a good idea to find out what’s available and submit your application early, advises Geoff. Examples include:
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment
A lump sum payment for those directly affected by a declared disaster. The payment is $1,000 per eligible adult or $400 per child and applications are made through Services Australia.4
The Disaster Recovery Allowance
A short-term payment – paid fortnightly for up to 13 weeks – to help you if you lose income because of a declared disaster. Applications are made through Services Australia.4
State disaster hubs
Services and resources, such as the Queensland Reconstruction Authority or NSW Disaster Assistance Finder, can also link to available relief options.4
Local councils
Some local councils across Australia may waive waste disposal fees, potentially saving households hundreds of dollars.5
It’s also a good idea to contact your insurer early to lodge a claim and ask about the claims process. Before starting the clean-up, take photos and make a list of damaged items – even if it feels painful to document the mess. You’ll also need your insurer’s permission before any building work commences, as unauthorised repairs may not be covered by your policy.6
Step 3: Look after your mental health
The emotional toll of a flood, severe storm or cyclone can linger long after the mud has dried and the emergency services have left. Exhaustion can set in as recovery stretches into months, and anxiety might spike when dark clouds gather again or anniversaries approach.1
It’s important to accept that you’ve been through a stressful event and to support your mental health by finding people you trust to talk to about what happened and your reactions to it.7
“Some people impacted by disasters will be traumatised and often don’t realise it,” says Geoff.
“But recovery isn’t about stoicism – it’s about connection. Asking for help is strength, not weakness. I’ve spoken to probably a few thousand disaster survivors and, without question, the most powerful tool in disaster recovery is a hug and an ear.”
The Australian Government’s Medicare Mental Health service connects people to free mental health resources, while services such as Lifeline or Beyond Blue provide 24/7 phone and online counselling.
If you’re supporting children through the recovery process, focus on making them feel safe and giving them space to talk about their feelings.8
“And if your child doesn’t want to open up to you, let them know there are other people in the community they can talk to or services such as Kids Helpline,” says Geoff.
Step 4: Stay alert to health and safety risks
Even when the water is gone, hazards can remain. When cleaning up, remember to practise good hygiene and wear suitable protective clothing, including boots, gloves and eye protection.9
“I’ve seen plenty of people get sick cleaning up after floods because they didn’t wear the right PPE (personal protective equipment) or didn’t practise good hygiene,” says Geoff. “Mostly gastro, but also skin and wound infections.”
After flooding, mould can spread within days, and may trigger asthma or allergies, so it can be a good idea to wear a P2 mask and gloves when removing porous materials such as carpet or ceiling insulation.10
You should also watch for signs of structural damage such as sagging ceilings, leaning walls or cracked foundations, which may put you at risk of serious injury.11
Step 5: Secure safe housing while you rebuild
Sometimes, returning home simply isn’t possible. In the aftermath of the floods on the NSW Mid North Coast in May 2025, for example, up to 800 properties were deemed uninhabitable, leaving hundreds of families without a home to return to.12
If this is your situation, the following options might apply:
- Check with your insurer to see if your cover includes temporary accommodation.13
- State and territory housing departments may provide crisis housing14 while Services Australia might be able to help out with rent assistance.15
- If you’re a renter and the property is deemed uninhabitable, you may be able to end your lease early.16
Step 6: Stay on top of your finances
Bills don’t stop arriving just because a disaster has hit. Financial stress can quickly compound recovery stress.17
If you’re affected by a declared disaster event, you may wish to talk to your bank or lender. They’ll have a financial hardship team who may be able to assist.18
Depending on your circumstances, this may include:19
- Deferral of scheduled loan repayments for up to three months
- Waiving of fees and charges
- Debt consolidation
- Emergency credit limit increases.19
Free financial counselling, such as the National Debt Hotline, may also help you in making a plan to manage your money.18
However you approach things, remember that everyone’s financial situation is different, so it’s worth taking the time to consider all your options before making any big decisions or committing to any new arrangements.
Step 7: Rebuild with resilience in mind
When you’re ready to rebuild, think beyond replacing what was lost, advises Geoff.
“Flooding doesn’t discriminate. A cyclone might rip off a roof, but floodwater seeps into every corner,” he says. “If you have the chance to rebuild, do it with resilience in mind – it’s the best investment for next time.”
Some ways to improve your home’s resilience could include:11
- Raising power points and wiring above previous flood levels
- Swapping carpets for tiles or concrete finishes that dry faster
- Installing flood doors or removable flood barriers.11
Step 8: Prepare for next time
While your priority should be ensuring the safety of your family and home after a natural disaster, taking steps to prepare for the next severe weather event may reduce your future risk and even help you recover faster next time.20
These steps could include:
- Updating your emergency plan, including evacuation details20
- Storing important documents digitally and in waterproof bags21
- Restocking your emergency kit gradually
- Asking your landlord about resilience upgrades, if you’re renting.
“People constantly underestimate the power of small steps,” says Geoff. “Cutting back a tree limb, checking the roof, or having an emergency plan – it all makes sense after you’ve seen the damage that could’ve been avoided.
“Recovering from a flood or cyclone is about more than clearing debris. It’s about stitching life back together, day by day – physically, financially and emotionally. It’s about leaning on neighbours for strength, accepting that progress may be slow, and choosing resilience every step of the way.”
For more expert tips to help you get ready for severe weather, visit our you.prepared emergency content hub.
The content in this article has been prepared based on current government and emergency services guidelines and expert advice provided at the time of publishing. This information is subject to change. Please be sure to check for the latest information and always consider your personal circumstances regarding home safety preparedness and response.
Where you have increased your cover or reduced your Youi insurance excess within 72 hours (or other period noted on your policy schedule) of a flood, storm, hail or bushfire occurring, cover will be limited to the amount that was effective prior to the change. Loss, damage or legal liability caused by, resulting or arising from flood, storm, hail or bushfire during the first 72 hours (or other period noted on your policy schedule) of your policy first being purchased is excluded unless certain conditions are met. Refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement for full T&Cs.
1 Source: Australian Red Cross – Recovery Basics: the impact of disasters on communities and individuals, April 2022
2 Source: Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience – Recovery Considerations Over Time
3 Source: Lifeline – Feelings and effects of natural disasters
4 Source: Services Australia – Understanding government disaster support
5 Source: Environmental Protection Authority Victoria – Waste levy waiver for waste from temporary emergencies
6 Source: Insurance Council of Australia – What to do when you return to your property after flood
7 Source: Converge international – Critical Event Stress after a Flood or Natural Disasters
8 Source: Healthdirect – Supporting kids through a natural disaster, June 2023
9 Source: NSW Government – Household clean-up for after a flood or storm
10 Source: Queensland Health – Mould after a disaster, January 2024
11 Source: National Emergency Management Agency – Your flood resilient home
12 Source: ABC News– Almost 800 properties ‘uninhabitable’ after record floods on Mid North Coast, May 2025
13 Source: Insurance Council of Australia – Frequently asked questions after a disaster
14 Source: Australian Government – Help and support for housing
15 Source: Australian Government – Guides to Social Policy Law Social Security Guide, September 2025
16 Source: Tenants Victoria – Disasters, January 2024
17 Source: Lifeline – Understanding natural disasters and mental health
18 Source: Moneysmart – What to do after a natural disaster
19 Source: National Debt Helpline – Disasters – financial difficulty
20 Source: Vic State Emergency Services – Flood
21 Source: NSW Government – Prepare your documents before an emergency
