Recovering from a flood can be a challenging and overwhelming process. After a flood, damage to homes, infrastructure and personal property is common.
At Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV), we work with local councils and other government agencies to coordinate relief and recovery for people and communities.
This means we can connect you with services that can help you if you’ve been impacted by a flood.
We also deliver recovery programs for people impacted by a major flood.
Immediate help after a flood
Relief may be available if you have been affected by a flood.
Relief is help you may be eligible for during and directly after an emergency. It helps you meet your immediate needs, like food and a place to stay.
Information about relief is available on the VicEmergency website.
Recovery programs
Recovery support aims to bring back quality of life and community services to how they were before a flood.
If your property was affected by the October 2022 Victorian floods, you may be eligible for recovery support.
If you’ve been affected by a different emergency, there are general services that can provide you with help or advice.
Recovery services, wellbeing and support
Find out more about the support, advice and counselling available as you and your family recover from storms, bushfires or floods.
Resources
Translated information about Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV)
Find out how to get help after a bushfire, flood or storm, in languages other then English.
Returning home after a flood
After a flood has passed, conditions may still be dangerous. If you have evacuated, do not return home until emergency services say it is safe to do so. Make sure the gas or electricity supply on your property has been confirmed as safe by a qualified tradesperson. When returning home, watch for hazards such as asbestos, leaked sewage and mould.
You may also experience a range of physical, mental and emotional reactions when returning home. If at any time you are worried about your mental health or the mental health of a loved one, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
Information and factsheets
Better Health Channel – After a flood – returning home safely
Information to consider if you are returning home after a flood.
Australian Red Cross – Returning home and coping after crisis
Practical tips to help you cope and clean up following a fire, flood or other disaster.
Victorian Building Authority – Storm and flood information
Advice for residents for what they can do if their property is impacted by flooding.
Agriculture Victoria – What to do after a flood
Advice for farmers who have experienced agricultural impacts from a flood, such as losses of stock and farming assets.
Insurance Council of Australia – What to do after a flood
Advice on when to contact your insurance company and how to document damage.
Stories of recovery
The aftermath of a flood is mentally, physically and emotionally challenging.
Read about how we have worked with individuals, local councils and community groups to support recovery and resilience after a flood.
Warning: The content on these pages discusses floods, storms, and bushfires. This may be distressing for some individuals.
Echuca's youngest building their own recovery
When Emergency Recovery Victoria decommissioned its operational hub, local school kids from Echuca Primary School jumped at the chance to recycle whatever they could cart away as part of their Hands on Learning program.
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage assessment protects sites of significance
At a flood-damaged home in Kialla, on Yorta Yorta country, potential sites of significant Aboriginal cultural heritage are being protected.
Aspen Lodge Caravan Park
A case study about how Emergency Recovery Victoria's Clean-up Program worked with the park owners to help rebuild the park following the October 2022 Victorian floods.
Recovery progress
Find out about recovery progress and actions after previous floods.
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