Darwin woman raises almost $10k for Timor Leste flood victims while MP calls for Australia to assist

A GoFundMe page started by Darwin resident and Timorese Australian has already raised almost $10000 to support flood victims in Dili, while Solomon MP Luke Gosling is calling on the Australian Government to “respond quickly” to the devastating floods.

SOLOMON MP Luke Gosling is calling on the Australian Government to “respond quickly” to assist Timor Leste and Eastern Indonesia as they battle devastating floods which have killed more than 70 people.

The region was hit with flash flooding and landslides on Sunday, killing more 75 people with dozens still missing.

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This general view shows debris left behind in the town of Adonara in East Flores on April 4, 2021, after flash floods and landslides swept eastern Indonesia and neighbouring East Timor. Picture: Joy Christian / AFP

Mr Gosling said the flooding is making it difficult for local authorities to assist survivors.

“The Australian Government must respond quickly to assist our friends and neighbours withy this humanitarian disaster,” he said.

“The situation is also worsening, with more rain forecast and increasing shortages of food and drinking water.”

He said around 6000 people in East Timor’s capital of Dili have been displaced by the disaster.

A GoFundMe page started by Darwin resident and Timorese Australian Rosa Carrascalao has already raised almost $10000 since it was made yesterday to support flood victims in Dili.

“This GoFundMe account has been set up for those in Dili that desperately need support to rebuild their homes and their lives,” Ms Carrascalao said.

“It is catastrophic.”

Residents walk past a damaged area after heavy rains and strong winds lashed East Timor's capital Dili overnight causing extensive flooding on April 4, 2021. Picture: VALENTINO DARIEL SOUSA / AFP

Australian Ambassador to Timor Leste Peter Roberts said in a Twitter post that Australian NGO partners are providing support to evacuation centres in the country.

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The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been contacted for comment.

Donate to the GoFundMe page here.