The June 2007 long weekend storm brought heavy rains and gale force winds to the Newcastle, Gosford, Wyong and Sydney metropolitan areas and the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales. The storm caused widespread flooding and damage to houses, businesses, schools and healthcare facilities, as well as damage to critical infrastructure. Ten people died as a result of the storm, while approximately 6000 residents were evacuated and over 200 000 homes and businesses were affected by electricity, water and gas supply interruptions. A natural disaster was declared for 19 local government areas, with total damage from the storm expected to reach A$1.5 billion.

The Hunter New England Population Health Unit conducted a rapid household survey in the fortnight immediately after the storm.

This survey aimed to:

• describe the impact of the storm
• assess household disaster preparedness
• identify household information needs and information sources.

227 households in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie regions were randomly surveyed in the fortnight after the storm. The survey was representative and achieved a good response rate.

Key storm study findings