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Help after a flood

Relief and recovery support for people and communities in Victoria affected by major floods.

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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 or call 1800 226 226.

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After a flood happens in Victoria, financial support may be available.

You might be able to get an Emergency Relief Payment from the Victorian Government.

You may also be eligible for an Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment.

Visit the VicEmergency website(opens in a new window) for information about what help is available.

If you have been told you can’t return to your home, you need to find somewhere else that is safe to stay. Contact family and friends and ask for help.

If you don’t have somewhere to go to, call your local council(opens in a new window). They can discuss what options may be available to you.

An Emergency Relief Centre may also be open near you. Locations are published on the VicEmergency website(opens in a new window).

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.

October 2022 Victorian floods

Support for people affected by the October 2022 Victorian floods.

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 than 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.

Building and Plumbing Commission – 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.

Rebuild and repair your home after a disaster

Whether you’re dealing with bushfire, flood, or storm damage, this page helps you understand what steps to take to rebuild and repair your home safely.

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.

Image shows Yvonne and Russell Prince, owners of Aspen Lodge Caravan Park standing outside front of their business with caravan park sign

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.

Safety & emergencies

Updated 16 September 2025

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