Queensland Floods
What did you see when you looked outside your bedroom window this morning? Most Queenslanders didn’t get a good night sleep or any sleep at all as they are located in an area that has been declared a ‘disaster zone’; as most of Queensland (QLD) is covered in water.
It would be safe of me to assume that you have seen the stories whether you’ve watched the extended news reports, heard about the Queensland floods on the radio or read the stories in the newspapers. You will all know that Queensland is under metres of water which is showing no signs of moving, anytime soon. The floods have impacted 75% of Queensland which is the combined size of Germany and France.
Many families have been evacuated from their homes and are living with friends and family or in overflowing evacuation centres. Most of these affected families have lost everything and were only able to leave their treasured home with the clothes on their back.
As many as 3,000 homes have been inundated in Ipswich, alone. As of 9am on the 13th of January the death toll for the Queensland floods remains at 12 people and the number of people missing is 43. Unfortunately, the death toll is expected to rise.
A Facebook campaign reads “In memory of young hero, Jordan Rice, aged 13, swept away in flash floods in Toowoomba. Jordan told the rescues to save his younger brother Blake (10) first before loosing his own life… Jordan you are an angel in disguise. May you get your wings now in heaven. RIP. Please re-post this in memory of a young hero… xxx”
It is heart wrenchingly hard to think of the pain and tragedy that these floods has caused to those in the Sunshine State.
Other states including NSW and Victoria are going to be affected by the QLD crisis. Please see Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding Predicted for Victoria.
Select Melons explains what the QLD floods mean to their supply here: How the Queensland Floods have impacted the Seedless Watermelon Supply.
What is amazing to see is how Australia can come together and support in times of crisis, we have no control of flooding rains or devastating bush fires (seen in Victoria less than two years ago) but as Australians we come together in the most extraordinarily caring ways when these natural disasters occur. Facebook groups such as ‘I can give shelter to the flood victims in QLD’ have been set up whilst volunteers have gone without rest for days helping those who have lost everything.
Watching the stories of the Queenslanders on the news outstands me, you can feel their passion and you see the smiles outweigh the tears.
I hear you ask ‘What can I do to help?’ – you can donate at the following locations:
Commonwealth Bank,
NAB,
Westpac,
ANZ,
Bank of Queensland and
Coles.
Alternatively you can donate online at www.qld.gov.au/floods or at www.redcross.org.au
As of the 11th of January more than $36 million has been donated to the appeal – but more is needed to rebuild Queensland and their livelihood.
Personally I have donated my money but based in Melbourne, Girl.com.au would love to help. Please post your stories and request for help below and we ill do the best of our ability to help you and your families.
