Queensland Floods.

Margaret Pilkington · 11-01-2011, 14:30

I wonder if any of you are watching the Television reports on the floods in Queensland?

It must be a horrific situation to be in. My heart goes out to them.

I know that we have some ex pats as members......not sure what Aussie states they live in, but would just like to say I hope they stay safe, and send all those affected by the current crisis, my best thoughts and hopes for their safety.
Maybe some of you would like to add your good wishes too......we can't offer much in the practical sense ,but it is always good to know others are 'rooting for you' when things are tough.

Margaret Pilkington · 11-01-2011, 14:34

Oh, perhaps I should have admitted, I have an ulterior motive......My sister lives in Brisbane.
I contacted her this morning(which was their tonight) and she is OK, but may have to be evacuated tomorrow........

She has only just moved house......so it has been a time of great upheaval.

***Mr D*** · 11-01-2011, 18:30

Hope anyone who is involved in this stays safe must be a horrible experiance.

The weather seems to be changing worldwide at the moment.

BERNADETTE · 11-01-2011, 18:42

Just been watching it on the news, it is very scary. Hoping things improve very quickly, I'm sure your Sister will be ok Marg. Thinking of all involved over therexx

Tealeaf · 11-01-2011, 19:46

All I can say is that it's a good job these floods are happening now, rather than 7 weeks ago; The first Test would have been abandoned. OK, I know it was a draw, but surely the England victory would have been a lot less sweeter over a 4 Test series, rather than 5?

BERNADETTE · 11-01-2011, 23:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf

All I can say is that it's a good job these floods are happening now, rather than 7 weeks ago; The first Test would have been abandoned. OK, I know it was a draw, but surely the England victory would have been a lot less sweeter over a 4 Test series, rather than 5?

That is so not funny, we have members here genuinely worried about their loved ones. But once again you post some inane drvel about the cricket. Why not start a thread about how the floods might have influenced the cricket results and leave threads like this for the reason they were started????

MargaretR · 11-01-2011, 23:26

I have looked on google maps at the town named Toowoomba.
The river that runs through it looks no bigger than Tinker Brook when viewed pre flood.
There must have one helluva lot of rainfall to make a brook devastate a town.
Strange weather is happening worldwide.
We can just hope that the snow we had recently was all the 'strange weather' due to come our way.

shillelagh · 12-01-2011, 00:40

hope everyone is alright ..

BBC News - Australia floods: Fears worsen for Brisbane

talentedbutslow · 12-01-2011, 04:23

Just a note to tell you I am ok......I live in Logan City area which is about 20 klms south of Brisbane city area and so I am clear of the flooding.
The tv coverage here has been extensive...we are currently in our second day of 24 hour presentations....with updates from the premier every 2 hrs.
The mood is sombre but determined to get through and rebuild lives after all the devastation these flooda have caused and are still causing.This flood seems like it will surpass the 1974 Brisbane flood in river height and with so many more people residing here now than 37 yrs ago will certainly have more dramatic effect than then....they are expecting up to 40,000 homes to have floodwaters through them.Loss of life at present stands at 12 with some 67 people missing...not a good sign. The river is expected to peak tomorrow afternoon but already the CBD is a ghost town with most shops offices and public buildings closed and water inundating everywhere. Boats are being torn from their moorings and careening downstream...pontoons are similar and floating down river with an amazing collection of rubbish ,animals and peoples belongings.I cease never to be amazed at the resilience and dedication though of the many thousands who have set to to help their fellow Queenslanders in this time of great distress.I can only hope their will be no more loss of life or serious casualties from the coming ordeal.

Eric · 12-01-2011, 06:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by talentedbutslow

Just a note to tell you I am ok......I live in Logan City area which is about 20 klms south of Brisbane city area and so I am clear of the flooding.
The tv coverage here has been extensive...we are currently in our second day of 24 hour presentations....with updates from the premier every 2 hrs.
The mood is sombre but determined to get through and rebuild lives after all the devastation these flooda have caused and are still causing.This flood seems like it will surpass the 1974 Brisbane flood in river height and with so many more people residing here now than 37 yrs ago will certainly have more dramatic effect than then....they are expecting up to 40,000 homes to have floodwaters through them.Loss of life at present stands at 12 with some 67 people missing...not a good sign. The river is expected to peak tomorrow afternoon but already the CBD is a ghost town with most shops offices and public buildings closed and water inundating everywhere. Boats are being torn from their moorings and careening downstream...pontoons are similar and floating down river with an amazing collection of rubbish ,animals and peoples belongings.I cease never to be amazed at the resilience and dedication though of the many thousands who have set to to help their fellow Queenslanders in this time of great distress.I can only hope their will be no more loss of life or serious casualties from the coming ordeal.

Glad to hear you are ok .... we are getting lots of coverage over here. Listened to an interview with an MP from over there, forget his name, but he is from Brisbane. He gave the figure of 20,000 homes in danger ... seems like it might be worse. But, no doubt, emergency services will be able to cope. And in the case that outside help is needed, I'm sure there will be no shortage of it. Take care. Good luck, eh.

Margaret Pilkington · 12-01-2011, 07:25

Well, I went ot bed worried...and got up worried.
Haven't been able to contact my sister up to yet, but she may be at the Hospital(where she works).
Her husband is on the front line of the rescue services....he is a policeman.
I just have to wait with my fingers crossed.

jaysay · 12-01-2011, 09:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington

Well, I went ot bed worried...and got up worried.
Haven't been able to contact my sister up to yet, but she may be at the Hospital(where she works).
Her husband is on the front line of the rescue services....he is a policeman.
I just have to wait with my fingers crossed.

Hope you hear good news soon Margaret

Margaret Pilkington · 12-01-2011, 09:39

Just received a Text message John....she is holed up in the hospital that she works at.....she can't get home. Those who are 'on shift' have been given permission to use their mobiles to contact family...normally this is forbidden....however when her charge runs out that will be it(no charger at work)!

kestrelx · 12-01-2011, 12:17

Terrible events - my sympathy goes out to you Margaret. Didn't similar floods happen there in 1974?

Margaret Pilkington · 12-01-2011, 13:12

Yes they did, and as a result the Wivenhoe Dam was built as a safety valve to hold the water.
This dam is currently working at something like almost double its capacity, and there are great fears that the dam may actually burst.......this would be disastrous.
(I don't think it really needs saying does it?)
Toowoomba, close to where the dam is situated, is something like 700 metres above sea level....so it is not used to being flooded like this...but the floods are the result of a flash storm.

We just have to sit and wait......so far, I know my sister is Ok....but her home may not be.....if she can get home that is.