STORIES FROM THE FLOOD LISMORE, AUSTRALIA by Yagia Gentle is a book that documents the lived experiences of people affected by the 2022 floods in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. The book is a collection of real interviews originally published in the local Nimbin Good Times newspaper throughout 2023. Together, these stories form an honest record of one of the most devastating natural disasters in Australia’s history.
The floods of February 2022 changed life forever for many people in and around Lismore. Water levels rose above 14 metres, making it the most expensive disaster in Australian history at the time, and the second most expensive in the world. Twenty people lost their lives, thousands lost homes and businesses, and the total economic cost was estimated at around six billion dollars. Many of those affected were uninsured, leaving them with little support once the water receded.
This book does not focus on blame or simple explanations. Instead, it shows how complex the disaster was. Climate change, deforestation, unusual weather patterns, an undersea earthquake near Tonga, and the natural meeting of two rivers all played a role. Local Aboriginal people had long warned that flooding was inevitable in this area. The book allows all these perspectives to exist without forcing a single answer.
What makes this book especially powerful is its focus on trauma and recovery. Some people experienced inconvenience, while others fought for survival. The stories describe fear, loss, and the long-lasting effects of trauma, including post-traumatic stress. Even rain can now trigger fear for many survivors. The book explains this gently and clearly, helping readers understand how trauma affects the body and mind.
Yagia Gentle and the interviewers approached people as counsellors rather than journalists. This allowed interviewees to speak freely and safely, sharing as much or as little as they wished. The voices in the book range from politicians to shop owners, parents, and business owners. Each story adds a new layer to the understanding of the disaster and the recovery process.
STORIES FROM THE FLOOD LISMORE, AUSTRALIA is a book about compassion, community, and resilience. It preserves these stories so they are not forgotten and helps readers understand the real human cost of disaster, as well as the strength it takes to rebuild and heal.
