Roma family’s home destroyed by wild storm just days after settling in

Wild storms ripped the roof off a Roma family’s new house, turning their home into a gushing waterfall and destroying the children’s toys and mattresses. Now the community has rallied to help get them back on their feet.

Carly Everitt had lived in her new home in Roma for only a few days when severe storms lashed the region, tearing off her roof and sending water cascading into her house.

Now the community has come together to help her get back on her feet, with a GoFundMe campaign that has so far raised more than $1000.

Ms Everitt, 37, was at work at D & R’s Motorcycles in Roma when her roommate Renee Bridges called to let her know things were getting dangerous.

“Renee called me in a bit panic and I told her to go to the bathroom and call triple-0,” she said.

When the fire brigade arrived, they helped Ms Bridges and her two daughters, aged 5 and 3, out of the house.

“The girls were crying with fear. You can imagine how loud it was in the home with the storm and the fire alarms going off,” Ms Everitt said.

“The children are still trying to understand what happened. They are a bit shell-shocked.”

At first, neither of them were fully aware of the destruction caused by the more than 90km/h winds that tore through the Maranoa on November 10.

“When we went out to see the damage, it was phenomenal,” Ms Everitt said.

“The water was actually running through the ceiling. It was like walking through a shower in the house.”

Carly Everitt had only lived in her new home a few days when severe storms tore off the roof. November 10, 2021

With the property largely in ruin, Carly and Renee moved into a motel.

“We didn’t know what to do, really,” Ms Everitt said.

“The people that have helped us have been fantastic. The group of fellas that came out guided us and organised a shed to keep our gear in.”

Ms Everitt said the community had come out to support them.

Boss Terri Miller organised the GoFundMe page, with a goal of $3000.

Already, they know how that money will be spent.

“It will replace mattresses and toys for the kids” Ms Everitt said.

Five-year-old Ava Munns, left, with sister Georgia, 3, were forced to leave Roma after storms tore off the roof of their home. November 10, 2021

For the time being, the three children, Oscar, 7, Ava, 5, and Georgia, 3, have gone to live with their grandparents in the Gold Coast while the pair try to find a new place to live and repair their lives.

“I’m an adult, I don’t need too much. But, the kids, they’ve lost all their toys and special things” Ms Everitt said.

“That will be our priority.”

Donations to the GoFundMe campaign can be made here.

Originally published as Roma family’s home destroyed by wild storm just days after settling in