Dark days in the sunshine

Posted on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 by midcenturyjo

As most of the world knows by now my home state of Queensland is facing dire floods. 75% of the state is disaster affected and the water keeps rising. 36 years ago as a 12 year old I witnessed this city succumb to the last big flood. Now I am back in my old city of Ipswich and even though the rain has finally stopped and the sun has come out the flood will be even bigger than the “big one” back then.

I awoke this morning to the sounds of alarms and helicopters. We are safe on a hill but just a few blocks away the river was creeping into the business district. At 6 o’clock I ventured out and this is what I found. The waters are still rising and the peak will be at least 2 meters higher than the levels in these photos. 4000 homes will be flooded. Downstream in Brisbane, ten times bigger than Ipswich the number of affected properties is just that, up to 40000 homes and businesses inundated in some way. It is not over yet.

I wanted to post something beautiful today like every other day, a pretty picture, a lovely home but I can’t. I am so overwhelmed by what is going on around me. My head is spinning with the incessant drone of helicopters, the ceaseless stream of cars carrying sightseers up my normally quiet street to reach the lookout, the guilt that we are safe and others aren’t. I couldn’t post those pretty pictures. These will have to do. Keep us in your thoughts as this disaster unfolds. I realise now that there is something beautiful today. It’s the spirit of the people in my state. We will get through this, we will rebuild, we will be helping each other all the way.

I have power at the moment and fingers crossed I will still have power tomorrow. I am stuck in Ipswich for the next few days unable to get to work and will continue to post. Next time it will be pretty pictures I promise. If I am offline you’ll know why though. Take care everyone out there. Stay safe my fellow Queenslanders. Back soon!

Keren says:

Oh yay Jo, I'm so glad to hear it! Hope the water keeps going down, and everyone works together to clean up.
Still thinking of you from New Zealand 🙂
xoxo

Sabrina says:

It's really awful what's happening right now in Australia and other parts of the world (Brazil, Sri Lanka, etc.) .
I keep praying and hoping that everything well be ok again as soon as possible.
Don't give up, keep strong!!! Many regards from Germany

maria says:

Jo, Con el corazon en la mano, I hope this finish soon. I keep watching the news and thinking about you and the people that is suffering this. Just amazing, we should learn the message of nature. Take care.
xxx Maria

Anne says:

this sucks muchly…I am going to go google "Why" it is flooding, because I haven't actually heard too much about your floods over here. I'm sorry to see the destruction – but I'm glad your family and new home are safe. Your photos really show the craziness! I can't believe it's up to the stoplights!

Sugar says:

Thinking of you and all of Australia. I hope you get through the next few days with Power and a lot of love.

Diana says:

I felt really sad just watching those photos, I know what u are going trouhg because I´ve seen this in my country too (Colombia), have faith everything will be ok soon n_n, Take care!!!

Diana.

suzanne says:

I have been following on BBC, my thoughts are with you and all Queenslanders! be safe, Jo!

I hope you will be fine

Bev65 says:

I am in Houston, and this looks much like Galveston TX did following the devastation of Hurrican Ike. My heart goes out to you and yours.

Kerry says:

Great Pictures of Sad sight. Stay strong, Kerry in Alaska

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