Although it’s not even two weeks old, 2011 is a year that will be remembered for the devastating floods covering much of Queensland and now threatening other areas of Australia. Hundreds of thousands of people will be directly affected with many years of rebuilding ahead.
It’s extremely difficult to come to terms with the magnitude of the disaster and experts are saying that there’s a lot more on the way. Queensland’s capital is bracing for the rising Brisbane River to flood around 20 000 properties in 50 suburbs with thousands expected to seek emergency accommodation.
During my morning radio program on 98.5 Sonshine FM today I spoke to Liam Renton from one of our sister stations, Brisbane’s 96five. As we talked he was standing just metres away from the swollen Brisbane River, watching the flood waters increasing.
You can hear our five minute conversation by clicking the play button on the audio player below.
Do you know anyone affected by the floods? Have you lost a home or loved ones to a natural disaster like these floods? I’d appreciate your comments.
Wherever you are in the world, if you’d like to help you can visit the Queensland Flood Appeal website.
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ahhh Liam is a mate from church.
I’ve posted some photos on Facebook – nothing serious where I am so went for a drive to see if I could get something newsworthy… i think i failed.
Dean invites you to read Bracing for the worst
It’s really hard to get my head around the size of the disaster. I guess we’re used to these things happening in other countries but this is so much harder to comprehend.
Well Rodney, we aren’t living in a physically affected flood zone here in Brisbane so thankfully the only difference is that my husband is working from home. A colleague of his recently bought a house in an area that is now flooded. Neighbours on one side are at home as their place of work is flooded. When they return there’ll be a massive cleanout. Our neighbour on the other side is waiting for his wife and sons to drive down from Townsville, which depends on when it’s safe enough to drive through Rockhampton. He ended up having to fly down ahead of them. Another friend was over from Perth for a course, which was cancelled this morning as where the accomodation was flooded. We walked along the (now-flooded) Southbank walkway with him on the weekend. Thankfully he managed to fly back today. Everyone I’ve talked to knows someone who has been affected in one way or another.
The sun was shining today, but with the peak looming early tomorrow, we are all wondering what we will wake up to.
Hello Alice. Great to hear from you and so good to hear that you and your family are safe.
We’re just watching the vision out of Queensland and praying for those affected. It’s such a huge disaster.
Miles away and winter here, so no one I know in these, but have had friends lose all through floods before.
Our church family is praying for those going through this!
Cameron Cloud invites you to read Lead Us Heavenly Father Lead Us
Thanks Cameron. I understand that an area more than twice the size of Texas is now under water.
Your prayers are very much appreciated.