Hi Everyone,
It's really painful watching what is happening to our Aussie friends right now and wishing there was a way to help. What makes it hit home even more is that two of our own OPR members are seeing the action. Max is closer to the action, but Tess is also having some flooding. Here is a link that Tess sent me of Monday's action. The worst part is that this has been going on for some time and every day seems to get worse. It wasn't long ago that Australia was suffering through a drought--no longer.
OPR is limited on some of the help that we can provide, but should anyone down under need some help in organizing a photo rescue, contact me, Tess, or Max.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=howSp_RdRHE&feature=player_embedded (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=howSp_RdRHE&feature=player_embedded)
More images of the flooding:
http://www.google.com/images?rlz=1T4ADFA_enUS411US412&q=Flooding+in+Australia&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=k5YrTdi8NcP7lwe_8a3VAQ&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=12&ved=0CG8QsAQwCw&biw=1659&bih=798 (http://www.google.com/images?rlz=1T4ADFA_enUS411US412&q=Flooding+in+Australia&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=k5YrTdi8NcP7lwe_8a3VAQ&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=12&ved=0CG8QsAQwCw&biw=1659&bih=798)
Margie
Thanks Margie. It's been a continuing disaster in the north of the country and Max is very close to it all. Hopefully he is ok.
At last count there are at least 75 people missing. One town has been almost wiped off the map downstream from Toowoomba.
We can only hope and pray the rain eases and all those missing are found safe.
Where are you Tess? Haven't seen any mention of Kogan where Max is. Not been there, Google shows a creek/river through the town so hope he is keeping dry
Just been watching the news, when places are getting 3ins of rain in an hour it isn't good.
The last big flood was in 1974 and river levels are expected to exceed that in a number of places over the next couple of days. Brisbane and Ipswitch seem to be next on the list
And in Western Australia they are fighting fires! Hell of a way to get a mention in the US news and thanks for the wishes Margie
Athol
Tess is in North-West Victoria.
The last time I heard from Max (6 days ago) he was still above water, barely.
Athol, how is it in Sydney, lots of rain there?
I read that there are bush fires around Melbourne as well so they must not have too much rain down there.
I remember the drought in 1973, it seemed like the everything was cracked and then in 1974 nothing but rain and the Brisbane floods.
Margie, thanks for posting the link, it is heartbreaking to see people struggle to stay safe. Like you said there has been already so much going on before the floods and now this. So many people have lost everything and it will be very hard for them for a long time to come. The farmers have lost their crops, again...
Wish there was something we could do to help.
Hannie
Athol we have moved over to the big island, Warracknabeal, Vic. Had 3.25 inches of rain on Sunday night here and its been raining on and off since then. Luckily we are a long way from any major river though the ground here is as flat as a pancake, no runoff.
Got an email back from Max, they are fine, a little soggy underfoot though. They haven't been able to get out to shop for a month but are well stocked up.
This is our roadway to the house now. We don't normally have lakeside views.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/tessc/DSCF3158small.jpg)
Hannie, we haven't had that much rain in Sydney. We are on a hill on the Northern Beaches so apart from being a bit soggy underfoot we don't have a problem. However the dog expects to go for a walk regardless of the weather. The current fires are in the South East of Western Australia, only a few weeks ago they were having floods further north
Glad you and Max are OK Tess. Waterlogged ground seems to be part of the problem in Queensland, any rain that falls now just runs off.
Sounds like there will be more to follow
Athol
Yeah, we have just been put on a severe thunderstorm and torrential rain warning again. They are talking 8 or more inches over Thursday and Friday.
The dogs rule Athol, didn't you know. ;D Rain, hail or shine they love a walk.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you folks 'down under'. Keep in touch as we'll be worrying about you!
Tori
I hope all of you will stay safe and get through this ...thoughts and prayers are with you all !
To all you wonderful people who are "down under" I wish you only the best and you are all
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w285/kimmychilds/rl/rl0102.gif) (http://www.satisfaction.com/codes/religious-comments-1.php)
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Pat
God bless all you Aussies and keep you safe. :(
I've been watching the news and thinking of y'all and hope that my friends stay safe and dry.
MJ xx
We have been fortunate and escaped the worst of the flooding, the heaviest rain has been to the east of the river along the ranges, and the runoff from them has all swollen all the streams flowing into the river.
Our worst was on the 27.12.2010 though the creek has been up 6 times since then, the latest and highest yesterday, the problem is that the ground is so saturated now that if somebody spits we get a rise.
The flooding in the general area has been horrific inundating most of the towns along the river. We only get to see it on TV, we have been isolated for the last month, have not been able to resupply or receive mail, sure pays to have a well stocked pantry, we figure we can hold out for about another 4 weeks which is about how long it will be before we can get to town, if the rain holds off.
Not as lucky as far as prescription drugs go we are having to arrange an emergency supply today, they will be flown into a local Power Station in the next few days with a change of operational personell, trouble with getting old you are dependant on these things just to keep you ticking.
The flooding east of the range has been inconceivable, with the amount of damage and loss of life, 10 dead at present and expected to increase, with about 90 people unaccounted for, recovery is going to be a long and painfull process.
Tassie! Nice move, you are much closer to the water that you were in Tassie, hope you kept the surfboard. :funny:
This is a link to a few photos of the local scene.
http://picasaweb.google.com/Ausimax/Flood201011?authkey=Gv1sRgCITPn-SazrvrbQ&feat=directlink (http://picasaweb.google.com/Ausimax/Flood201011?authkey=Gv1sRgCITPn-SazrvrbQ&feat=directlink)
Darn it Max, I forgot the surfboard. Could have used it today lol. They drained 60,000 litres or nearly 16,000 gallons of water out of our lake today at the front of the house and there's still 2/3 left. This is in preparation for tomorrows downpour we are supposed to get.
Wow your photos show how easily it creeps up. You were very lucky it didn't get into the house.
Max, thanks for the piccies. It looks much worse than I thought it would be, seems like you could use a surfboard as well!
That must be hard not being able to get mail, shop or even get your prescriptions! Luckily you still have the Internet ;)
Just heard that there is more bad weather coming for Victoria and Tasmania as well, Tess I keep my fingers crossed for you as well.
Stay safe!
Hannie
Hang in guys. Hope all goes well.
Here's an update: http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/01/12/australia.evacuation.center/
The first video has the title of: "Worse flooding yet to come . . ."
Margie
Always the optimists, here is the latest, lower than expected but still devastating. http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/01/12/australia.floods/index.html?iref=NS1
The death toll is rising and so many are still missing though. They are talking weeks or more before people can move back into their homes. All will have to be inspected for safety and wiring inspected before electricity can be restored to each home.
We are now getting torrential rain around our state and we are already waterlogged. Flash flooding has occurred in several towns and cities in Victoria and Tasmania.
It sounds like there is not going to be a break any time soon, it is such a mess!
Great to see how people are helping out by donations of money and goods.
Tess it I like the like the poem you once quoted:
'I love a sunburnt country, A land of sweeping plains, Of ragged mountain ranges, Of drought and flooding rains'
Yeah we do love this country even though its the driest (supposed to be) inhabited continent on earth lol.
We have 5 states under flood watch now. Our state has 3 towns being evacuated but it all seemed to go round us last night.
I'll take the camera out today and get some photos of all the water.
Saw a beautiful story on the flood in Queensland last night. People in boats going round rescuing the horses that were treading water resting their heads on house roofs as they couldn't get to dry land.
I came across this news clip regarding the flooding.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/41060203#41060203 (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/41060203#41060203)
It's tragic about this 13 year old boy giving up his life for his brother. I pray for you all down under. :(
Some of the stories are wonderful but heartbreaking. We drove around our area yesterday in Victoria and there is an awful lot of water with nowhere to go.
This is a 2 lane, sealed road to where hubby works. A few more pics here. http://tassied.wordpress.com/
(http://tassied.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/dscf3169small.jpg)
Tess, instead on your RV, you should be thinking of an ark. On your blog the sunset picture and the reflection of the trees in the water is beautiful especially if you didn't know what's the whole story.
Margie
I was going to say that those were beautiful photos in your blog but "beautiful" is the wrong word because flooding isn't beautiful. You gave me a good idea of how things are and captured the feel of it. This part of Texas is at the bottom of the Great Plains, so I know how it is with water having nowhere to go. I know we're all following the story closely and hoping things turn around!!
MJ
To our wonderful Aussie volunteers: Please be safe. I've been watching the devastation on CNN all week, and it makes me weep to see water up to the roofs. Max, Tess and Athol, please continue to fare well.
Hugs and best wishes to all of you.
GK
We are fine here now even though the creek is yet to peak. Our house is quite far from it.
Unfortunately the town of Charlton about 1.5 hours from here and many others are flooded. From the news I understand Charlton had 100% inundation into homes and businesses.
http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/floodrelief/more-evacuation-orders-in-victoria-floods/story-fn7ik2te-1225987869774 (http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/floodrelief/more-evacuation-orders-in-victoria-floods/story-fn7ik2te-1225987869774)
Tonight's news was inspirational, there were traffic jams in Brisbane as hundreds of people turned up to help those who had water damage in their homes. The came with buckets, mops and the essential gum boots to clean out the mud and damaged possessions to allow people to get back into their damaged homes.
The Army are involved and the Red Cross, Salvation Army, SES, Police, Fire Brigade and many other NGO's from all states and New Zealand are supporting those in need.
The Premier of Queensland has been giving regular press briefings and with the army and police representatives has really rallied the citizens of Queensland. So far no one has been prepared to even guess at the cost nationally.
Victoria has a way to go and I am sure will do just as well when the flood peaks pass.
I have a spare rubber duckie I can send you Tess if you think it might help
Athol (the one with dry feet)
Athol, that is good news, it will take a long time to clean up and rebuild. I love the spirit of the Aussies, helping when they can without making it a big issue, really nice.
Tess, I hope the rain stopped. A rubber duckie? A couple of inner tubes would be more useful!
Hannie
lol Hannie, a rubber ducky down here is one of these surf rescue boats. Not sure how they got nicknamed that.
We are safe and dry but towns only 30 miles away are on evacuation alerts waiting for the river peaks late tomorrow.
(http://hosting.dmsw.com.au/MAILmanPortal/uploads/IRB2.JPG)
:)
Thanks for explaining that Tess!
Victoria is not out of the woods yet, those poor people that only got a 10 minute notice to leave before the flood struck and the same thing happened to them 3 months earlier...
Hope lake Cameron is not getting any bigger.
Hannie
Its surreal that we haven't had any rain for 6 days yet the flood waters will peak today.
Our town is expecting some inundation so its been a busy couple of days. We are safe here but many near the creek aren't.
Hubby went down to the local council yard last night to help fill sandbags for those that need them. It was amazing that a small town of 2,500 could have so many helping. There were about 400 people at the yard filling the bags, others had trays of sandwiches, biscuits and water for the workers. Everywhere else there were neighbours helping each other sandbag their properties.
They have dug through one of the main roads across the creek to allow the water to get away faster. They figured it was easier to repair a road than have dozens of homes affected.
Pleased to hear you are OK Tess, Warracknabeal made the news this morning and I was just going to post to see if you were OK. It is good to see the communities kicking in to help out as well as they are, every bit of help will be needed.
My cleanup has been set back a little, yet another tree fell into the garden Sunday arvo, requiring several hours work with the chain saw to clear the mess, then when I saw getting dried after a shower a blood vessel in my leg ruptured, and the bathroom ended up lookin like a slaughter house.
End result is that I'm going to be on my back with my feet up for some time to come, and those many piles of debris will have to wait a little longer to be dealt with.
Max
Max, that sounds terrible! Try to rest up and not worry about the clean-up (it's not going anywhere). Hope you recover quickly!
Tori
So sorry to hear that Max. You rest up and like Tori said, its not going anywhere. How are you for medical help if you need it?
Max, that is terrible! Are you cut off from getting any medical assistance if you need it? Take care of yourself and the tree will still be there. Hope you get some help with the cleanup.
Rest and keep us posted.
Margie
Crikey Max, you really are in the wars. Having to put your feet up for a while sounds like good treatment though I suspect Margie will have suggestions about how to do something productive during your convalescence. ^-^
Hope to hear better news from you and Tess soon, is the weather having an impact in your home town Tess?
Athol
The water is on its way Athol. Our house is fine but we are cut off except to head west. All other roads are closed for now but should subside over the next couple of days. Had the channel 7 helicopter fly over town so we will be on the news tonight.
Mother nature is the great equalizer.
This may be what California is in store for:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110117/us_yblog_thelookout/scientists-warn-california-could-be-struck-by-winter-superstorm (http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110117/us_yblog_thelookout/scientists-warn-california-could-be-struck-by-winter-superstorm)
So far our levee bank which has been built over the last 36 hours is holding. They are topping it up as necessary where the water is getting too high so we are all hopefull the only mess to clean up when this is all over is all the levee bank dirt and sandbags.
Tess, I hope the river will go down soon, this must be be unnerving!
Max, hope you are doing better and enjoying your rest!
Hannie
We are hanging in there by the skin of our teeth but the levee banks are holding. Several breaches were quickly repaired and so far no homes have gone under. This is one amazing little town and I hope the water starts to drop soon so we can stop holding our breath.
The national tv stations are still here but on the other side of the creek which is only passable for emergency personnel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_LOXv40N4g&feature=player_embedded# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_LOXv40N4g&feature=player_embedded#)!
Great report on your beautiful little town Tess.
What a fine place you picked to live in!
Hoping with everyone that the water levels will go down very soon and you'll be able to breath again.
Thinking of you,
Hannie
Tess thanks for the lovely report. The worst things bring out the best in people. Hope you are staying dry and things are improving.
MJxx
Like the lady says in the video report from Tess - "We're all here to help each other, and band together." What a wonderful phrase, and SO appropriate for OPR, too. The resilience of the human spirit can, and WILL make things better.
Good news from our little town, the levee held, despite what the experts said and the town is safe.
The creek is still well up and the levee on the lower side is still holding the water back but it was a resounding success. Thanks go out to all the volunteers that worked through the nights and to the town's biggest employer who took it upon himself to build the levee. He supplied the trucks & equipment, the dirt and half his workforce at no cost. He deserves an award.
I feel truly privileged to live in this town and see that even today there are women handing out food and sweets to the workers starting to clean up.
A special thanks to you all for your well wishes. People around the town were amazed to hear we had people from around the world hoping for us.
Tess, what great news! I hope you have a chance to dry out and realize it will take some time before things go back to normal. Hope things get better for you too Max.
It seems like there is no shortage of bad news, but hearing about your town and its people pulling together is uplifting.
Keep us posted.
Margie
Good news Tess, now everyone knows where Warracknabeal is and to-days Telegraph had a photo and article about your savior.
Think I heard that 1/4 of the state is suffering from the water and that other communities will be at risk as it flows to the sea. At least there hasn't been the flash flooding problems seen in Queensland and it seems that the evacuations when necessary have been able to be planned for.
Maybe the river red gums and the Coorong will ultimately benefit.
Athol
Yes its very uplifting. The news reporter last night called it 'the little levee that could'. I'm so glad Richard, hubby's boss is getting some recognition. Without him there would be 120 homes damaged above floorboard height.
Here's the story on ' The man that built the great wall of Warracknabeal'. http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/entrepreneur/entrepreneur-inspires-the-great-wall-of-warracknabeal-20110120-19x83.html
Wonderful story Tess, sounds like Richard is a great guy (as are all the other people from Warracknabeal)!
Lets hope there will be no more floods further down south as the water flows to the sea.
Hannie
Whew! Glad things are getting better!
Tori
Tess, thanks for sharing the story of your husband's boss. It never ceases to amaze me that in the worst of times, one often sees the best in people. Thank goodness!
Be safe and dry!
Hugs.
GK