Queensland Australian Floods

Golden · 12 Jan 2011

Hi,

I've received a few messages from forum members about the continuing flooding in Queensland Australia.

Whilst most of the footage you see is of flooding in towns and cities, its worth noting that almost 60% of the state of Queensland is in flood. To put that into perspective, its equivalent to the land surface area of France and Germany combined, or Texas in the USA.

This is a poignant reminder of the devastaion that such powerful flooding causes:

Dramatic flood footage from Queensland - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

You can follow the latest events here:

Queensland Floods | The Australian

Unfortunately, as the clean-up gets underway in the receding water, the death toll is likely to climb from the current confirmed 13 persons. Many, many people are still missing and unaccounted for.

I wish all our Queensland forum members the very best in coping with this very sad tragedy.

Golden

kado897 · 12 Jan 2011

I think we would all go along with That sentiment, it is a terrible tragedy.

BomberAF · 12 Jan 2011

The thing is though Australia could really do with some water from what I've been lead to believe and the thing is that flood water will not sink into the soil but just make the dust bowl worse by washing away top soil.

Another point I noticed and if anyone can answer it would be great, but this event is called by la nina, but what is the difference between that and el nino?

Golden · 12 Jan 2011

El Nino (the boy) is higher surface sea temperature. La Nina (the girl) is lower surface sea temperature.

jfar · 12 Jan 2011

My thoughts go to all the people that have suffered in anyway, and I hope it's over soon,
for all the people down there in that great land.

smarteyeball · 13 Jan 2011

Travelled across the Brisbane river today by train (thankfully limited services are running) - and boy is she angry and full.

By all accounts, the worst should be over (for certain areas) so now it's just a case of waiting, taking stock, breathe a huge sigh and then let the cleaning begin.

Even those not directly impacted, personally know somebody who was. My place was unaffected, but my aunts house went under. Sadly there are many thousands of others just like her who will share similar fates.

BomberAF said:

The thing is though Australia could really do with some water from what I've been lead to believe and the thing is that flood water will not sink into the soil but just make the dust bowl worse by washing away top soil.

Some areas still do. Just a few years ago, parts of our country were in an extended drought. For example, The dams in Brisbane and outlying cities/towns were bone dry and we were in the midst of a water shortage. Now we have too much.

All this rain has been part blessing, but mostly it's been a curse.

Golden · 13 Jan 2011

Great to here you are OK. Hang tough. My kids are putting some toys and other bits-and-bobs together for collection for all those that have lost so much.

smarteyeball · 13 Jan 2011

Thanks mate. I'm extremely grateful that I wasn't affected.

It's also good to be reminded that the real Aussie spirit of helping those in need is still alive and well.

We'll be doing what we can, even if it's just a financial donation. Every little bit helps and it really does mean a lot to those who have been so badly affected.

Golden · 13 Jan 2011

Its a cruel land we live on - but I love it!

smarteyeball · 13 Jan 2011

mjf said:

My wife's a Toowoomba girl and her relatives were hit hard by the torrent. Many of her relatives are QLD farmers and graziers. It would be pretty tough to suffer years of drought then to have all your stock lost in flood.

I have another aunt who lives in Toowoomba but is currently overseas on holiday (good timing), but my GF has friends who also live up there which she hasn't able to get a hold of. Hard to say how hard/if they got hammered or not.

Farmers everywhere do it tough - but when things like this happen, it's absolutely devastating.

(so too are the prices of produce that supermarkets jack up which rarely trickles back to those who deserve it the most

)

Makes you count your blessings.

It certainly does.

Golden said:

Its a cruel land we live on - but I love it!

We just love the pain