Australia has been placed in the world spotlight under unfortunate circumstances. The state of Queensland is under water. Here in Perth, we’re hundreds of miles from the devastation, instead sweltering in 100 degree heat with no rain. But Australia is a country big in size yet small in population and the Queensland floods are top of mind for all Australians.
When news of the floods first surfaced shortly before Christmas, I didn’t give it much thought. It rains a lot in Queensland, particularly this time of year, and flooding isn’t entirely unusual. I also have a low opinion of television news and find it difficult to judge the severity of any situation they profile.
But as the weeks have progressed and the situation has worsened, it’s become clear that this is truly a natural disaster on a grand scale - literally - because hundreds of kilometers of land are covered in water. This week the banks of the Brisbane River engulfed Brisbane’s central business district, leaving thousands in the city homeless and making a situation that was largely confined to rural areas begin to feel very real for those of us living in major cities.
Natural disasters never cease to amaze me and I’ve now succumbed to the media coverage- shaking my head in despair at the site of people being lifted from the roofs of their homes and families trapped inside cars being swept away by dangerous currents. As far as natural disasters are concerned the loss of life could be worse - currently 15 people have died and another 55 are missing - but, it’s the homes, communities, infrastructure, and agriculture which will take years to restore that will have the greatest impact.
Lance Armstrong recently arrived in Australia for a cycling event and announced that he’s made a personal contribution of $50,000. Last week, tennis star Andy Roddick, who was also in Australia, made a personal contribution of $10,000. Closer to home, the state of WA sent over $1 million and has offered to send over other assistance where needed.
In a news brief amidst the around the clock flood coverage, it’s announced that 400 people have died in a mudslide in Brazil and we’re reminded of the 1 year anniversary of the earthquakes in Haiti which claimed 200,000 lives. There is no doubt the communities of Queensland will have the resources and support to recover from this disaster but I’m left feeling a bit sad about the hundreds and thousands of people in parts of the world which are not so fortunate.
Over water cooler chatter this week, Shane announced to colleagues that in a disaster situation I’d save the dog and leave him to fend for himself. But he was only being nice because the truth is I’d flee the house with Bronson under one arm, laptop under the other, while barking demands at him to grab the remainder of our valuables and a suitcase of clothing and to lock the door on the way out.
In Queensland, they too are making light of horrible situation. The statue at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane has been fitted with floaties and a snorkel to survive the several feet of water that has engulfed the stadium.
And the number one requested item at the relief centers is thongs (flip-flops). It’s good to see that in times of despair, Aussie’s still have their priorities straight.
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