I cried at the devastation wreaked by the floods in Queensland. Much of southern Queensland (Qld) has been affected, but it is not the only region. The mid-northern city of Rockhampton was inundated by floods on New Year’s Day, 2011. Today’s news said that roads to Rockhampton were only just opening. The floods have affected 3/4 of Queensland. They are the worst floods since 1974. Each blue balloon below is a town or city affected by flood.
I cried for the people who died, and for their families and communities. I particularly cried when I read the story of Jordan Rice. He, his mother and younger brother were swept away in their car at Toowoomba on Monday. When a rescuer, tied to a rope, came to drag them to safety, James insisted they first take his younger brother, Blake, who is 10. When the rescuer came back, James, and his mother Donna Rice, were swept away from their car, and died. Jordan Rice was 13 years old. He gave his life, so that his younger brother could live. Read the full story in The Brisbane Times.
I was, and am, angry at the 10 people who have been arrested for looting. It is a despicable act to steal from people, but more so when those people are affected by a disaster of this magnitude.
I cried again today as I watched the multitude of volunteers who came to help the people of Brisbane and other areas affected by floods. More than
“Aussie! Aussie! Aussie"!”
“Oi! Oi! Oi!“Aussie!”
“Oi!”“Aussie!”
“Oi!”“Aussie! Aussie! Aussie"!”
“Oi! Oi! Oi!Across the country, people have donated money (very important after the immediate recovery), clothes, food, services, time to help people they don’t know, and likely never will. The outpouring of community spirit from emergency services, charitable organisations, ordinary community members is not only inspiring; it is the glue that strengthens our community, our nation.
See:
www.qld.gov.au/floods
www.vinnies.org.au/Qld-Floods
http://www.abc.net.au/emergency/flood/ (has many links)
I went to the Blood Bank this week to donate plasma. It wasn't as busy as it is normally. While many of you have contributed, I read today (http://www.donateblood.com.au/news-events/qld-news-events/queensland-floods-affect-blood-collections )that Queensland’s blood collections are down, because of the floods, and because donors have more important things to do. So, if you’re not in Queensland, not affected by floods in other states, and you can, give blood. In AUSTRALIA, see http://www.donateblood.com.au/ , or call 131495 (Australia only)
And let's not forget people in other states affected by floods: NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania.
John
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