Katherine Couple Still Living on Verandah Three Months After Major Flood

Three months after devastating floods swept through Katherine, Northern Territory, Nicki and Luke Asling remain displaced, forced to live on their verandah. The March floods, the worst the town had seen in 28 years, submerged their rented home in approximately two meters of water.

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We shouldn't have to be living like this, it's not right.

While the couple anticipated a lengthy cleanup, they did not expect to still be living outdoors nearly four months later. The Aslings describe their current situation as uncomfortable, battling heat, cold, and mosquitoes. "We shouldn't have to be living like this, it's not right," Ms. Asling stated, highlighting the persistent issues of mold, mud, and odor within their damaged home.

Their daily life is constrained by their outdoor living situation, limiting their cooking options to barbecue or hot plate meals. The flood also damaged their barbecue, though they continue to use it. The couple expressed frustration over the prolonged wait for repairs, especially since their landlord reportedly had flood insurance and had obtained quotes for rebuilding the kitchen and basic renovations.

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You can't live in the house because of the mould and the mud and the stench. It chops and changes, whether you're hot or you're cold or you're being attacked by the mozzies.

Despite multiple assessments and initial cleanup efforts by friends, the actual repair work has yet to commence. Ms. Asling noted that their home recorded one of the highest watermarks in town, making the delay in renovations particularly perplexing. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by residents in the aftermath of the major flood event, with insured losses estimated to have exceeded $30 million.

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Last I was told, apparently they were supposed to be doing a deep hygienic clean on the property … which was going to cost $20,000, and then the hygienist could come in and assess the hou