How are the flooded Aussies?

[Debbiebillg]

Hiya all, we live in Brisbane but we're about 20mins out of the city and not affected.  The nearest affected area is about 10-15 mins away.  It is just totally devestating to watch on TV areas we frequent all the time flooded and the loss of lives just beyond belief.  I just never would have thought we'd ever see this kind of flooding in Brisbane, it's totally unbelievable.  We've had non-stop rain for weeks and weeks (kids and parents are going stir crazy)

I couldn't believe my eyes the other night when I went to the supermarket to pick up milk.  The shopping centre I chose is usually really quiet.  The shelves were bare ! No fresh milk, no powdered milk, no bread, no flour and I mean all kinds of flour sold out.  And after visiting a few other supermarkets since, yet again the same for the last few days. Rocklea is well under water which is where all the fruit and veges are distributed from so everyone's stocking up on frozen veg and canned fruit.  I was talking to the guy in the deli in Woolies the other night and they did an extra batch of bread at 6 in the evening, 270 loaves and they were gone in 15 mins.  The fruit shop was temporarily closing because they couldn't get stock from Rocklea markets. We managed to get milk at a local Coles today, luckily.  One of the major milk distribution centres and supplies half the milk to Qld is under water and they're hoping they're up and running again next week. 

All of this is trivial considering what others are going thru. But just thought I'd let you know what's happening.  My brother has put his name down to help, but they haven't contacted him. May not I guess until the water is gone.  It's just so weird here at the moment, everyone's just in disbelief. I'm lucky we don't know anyone affected however my g/f's husband is stuck in Toowoomba (not affected) but can't get home to his family, but hey at least he will get home. 

In disbelief !

[JaneeZee]

Just wanting to wish anyone affected by floods or fires all the best.  Been off air for a while & I hadn't seen the Qld flooding pics until last night &, like others, l have been transfixed by the images.  So many tragic stories but great spirit too.

It's really galling to read about the fact that Black Saturday bushfire relief hasn't gotten to the victims.  I'd heard rebuilding was problematic & drawn out.....unfortunately makes you think twice about donating.

[foodiepep]

Thanks everyone you guys brought tears to my eyes and I'd thought I had none left after what I've seen this week.

We aren't entitled to the disaster relief payment as we weren't 'directly affected' as for the income payment: well we are hoping that DH can get work on the Gold Coast for the next few weeks until it gets back to normal in Brisbane.  Unfortunately the income support for disaster relief isn't back dated. It comes into effect from the date you apply.  If I'd known it was going to rain for so long we could have applied a long time ago.

On a positive note DH has gotten a call that he has work tomorrow.  Hooray.

[miss thermo]

my dd9 told my mate she is worried about our family back east because they have been evaporated from there homes lol...... luckily they haven't been evacuated or evaporated ...... gave me a chuckle.... was just what i needed with all the devastation.... hope everyone else gets a little chuckle too

[Chelsea (Thermie Groupie)]

On a positive note DH has gotten a call that he has work tomorrow.  Hooray.

Wonderful news!

[whisks]

miss thermo, i'm betting everyone is wishing the rain and flood would hurry up and evaporate!

[judydawn]

foodiepep, so pleased to hear DH is off to work tomorrow and hope things start to look up for you. 

It must be so hard for children to comprehend the enormity of the problem with the floods so your DD's comment bought a little smile when reading your thread miss thermo.

[johnro]

Amongst all the devastation there are such incredible tales of heroics and compassion......here is 1 to make you all smile but you need to read the story aloud  -  'The local butcher in a flood stricken area near Rockhampton, rang the Morning Bulletin to ask for help from the public to keep watch for his 30 sows and pigs which had been washed away.....the paper printed the headlines -
30 000 pigs lost to flood waters' - lazy Aussie speech would be responsible for that particular mix up.
Best wishes to all as people try to piece their lives back together 

[quirkycooking]

Ha ha!! That's so funny! 

[Chelsea (Thermie Groupie)]

That is funny.  I'm sure that would have brought a smile to many peoples faces in the devastated areas.

The first time we went to Ethiopia we travelled through the North of the country at a time when it was recovering from severe flooding.  It was amazing to see how positive the people were being (or trying to be) and the way they were pulling together to rebuild huts and farms despite the total devastation and massive loss of lives.  At the time I wondered if the same thing were to happen in Australia if we would be capable of reaching out to help others in the same way.  I certainly know the answer now.  Everytime I turn the TV on there are stories of people helping each other and people just so grateful to be alive.

[johnro]

Yes Chelsea - it gives me goosebumps to hear the positive outlook of those most severely affected. 

[quirkycooking]

Me too! They're amazing.

[cookie1]

I'm thrilled by the 'mateship' that people are showing. Except for those lousy no good rotters who are looting. They deserve to be #@@$&^***!@%. I'll leave it to your imagination.

[rubyslippers]

I live 5 mins down the road from the Ipswich CBD, we have lived here for almost a year (before that we were in North Qld).  We are on a hill away from the river thankfully.

It has been an emotional week, filled with shock & sadness for the damage & loss.  Anger & disbelief at looters, price hikes & selfish shoppers.  Frustration with not being able to physically help (flooded roads, 3 children etc), and having no money to donate.  Happiness and relief over the rescues, positive stories & eagerness for so many to help out!  All that and there was no damage to my property, I can't even begin to imagine what others may be feeling.

I am hoping I can get in an do something soon to help out.

[Frozzie]

regardless what my views are on donating...i do hope that everyone is safe and its good to see the stories of those that are safe even if they have lost a little or alot and I sincerely hope that this time people actually get the money but history unfortunately says otherwise and its not just in oz its all over the world..same story everytime...stay safe people as human life is irreplacable..everything else is one day or another...we buried a neighbour yesterday..cancer..died within a week..quite young and let behind two boys..very fast and very shocking...2011 hasnt started off to be that great of a year...lets hope that it improves over the coming months!