That’s what’s facing thousands of families in the Rockhampton and Yeppoon areas hit by Cyclone Marcia.
With crews still working to restore power, the hardship is mounting. Local supermarkets have even run out of mosquito coils, and without fans or air-conditioning, many are suffering, especially babies.
Many have had to throw out meat worth hundreds of dollars. Coupled with casuals not being able to work, and therefore no income, there is real hardship in the region.
Facebook messages have sprung up with locals asking for help, with messages such as:
“We have lost everything out of our fridges and freezers and add the outlay for genitor and fuel due to a week of no power with no income from work we are left struggling financially.”
“Had to throw out nearly $450 of meat alone not including frozen vegies, also loss of income and because of panic buyers had no fuel.”
“I killed my car battery while charging everyone’s phones.”
“Acquired an esky two nights ago and feel like a queen with cold water and cold milk for our kids.”
“Two kids very miserable.. no school or kindy.. we lost a lot of food.”
“I received $915 per adult and $350 per child way back in 1974 floods, so how come all you guys are being offered is $180?”
But there is some bright news – a local man made good, Bevan Slattery, has donated nearly 50 generators for use by those most at risk.
The Brisbane-based Megaport chief executive and former member of the BRM Young Rich List donated them for those needing power for medical reasons.
“I’ve never forgotten my roots. I still have a lot of friends in central Queensland and Rockhampton,” he told ABC News.
“Seeing this happen, you just want to be able to help.”
