Cyclone Lam brought the tiny town of Milingimbi together
The category-four Cyclone Lam may have raged through the tiny town of Milingimbi but the destruction has brought the small community closer together.
Milingimbi, 440 kilometres east of Darwin and with a population of 1,000 was one of the Northern Territory communities hardest hit by the cyclone. Trees were uprooted and there was structural damage to several houses.
Milingimbi resident and former health worker Ganygulpa Dhurrkay sheltered in her cousin's family home during the cyclone. She said it was unsettling when water started to seep into the home’s walls but the huddled group decided to make the best of the situation.
“We were there for each other. I think the cyclone has brought everybody together,” she told ABC.
“Everyone is sitting around a campfire. Families sharing meals and sharing stories. It's been funny stories and no Facebook. So that was the nice thing about that.”
Ms Dhurrkay said the community spirit continued the days following Cyclone Lam. Everybody was cleaning up regardless “of who you are and what your colour”.
“I am very, very proud of how the people have stood up to face the challenges that was overnight just on our doorsteps," she continued.
“We got into our houses with the old Milingimbi and we stepped out of our houses as the new Milingimbi.
“Sometimes the greatest gift is underneath the rubble.”
Image credit: ABC Emilia Terzon
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