On 25th December 2010 Chirtsmas Day, as Cyclone Tasha downgraded to a Tropical low and people were warned about possible floods due to the change. The category one cyclone, which crossed between Gordonvale and Babinda around 5.30am that morning, continued to move inland, weakening but associated heavy rainfall caused fast rising in a number of rivers and creeks.
Major flooding began occurring along the Mulgrave River with a peak of 15.5m - similar to the March 2008 flood - expected before midday that day. Moderate flooding was expected along the Russell River at Bucklands with a 7.5m peak later that day.
Moderate to major flooding was also expected in the Johnston River catchment with only a minor peak expected at Innisfail at this stage.
Further south, major flood levels in the Dawson River were approaching a peak of around 13.5 metres at Theodore, west of Bundaberg.
From there, the floods continued on to surrounding towns, causing widespread danger and fear. Today, statistics showed that 9 people have been killed so far, and 66 others are still missing. National campaign has gone out and assitance has been received - other states have been sending their SES Rescue crews, New Zealand has now joined.
As of 11th January 2011, the estimated cost of the damage and rising, was just over $6 billion. And, a $5 billion clean up fee.
The Queensland Government has launched an appeal to help Queenslander's who have been affected by the recent floods. The Government is only accepting Financial Donations and cannot accept Goods or Services.
The Media has been all over the floods, reporting everything that has happened so far. From these news reports we have been able to see the devastation that has impacted the community. Natural Disasters are hard to recover from, but floods take away many unexpected things or people.
With the Ozone Layer changing constantly and natural disasters occurring more often, we have to ask ourselves: When will We as a 'Whole', come together to make a change for the better good? For many years, scientists, environmentalists and many other similarly related individuals, companies and organizations have known about the change. Many seminars and lectures had been held around the world (over the years), in hopes to make the change before it is too late.... But, that discussion is for another time.
As the floods continue, Riverland residents begin sandbagging around their properties in hopes of saving their homes.
For some towns, when warnings were first given and evactuations began, some residents refused to leave their homes. "We'd rather stay and defend our homes, we've worked too hard to just let it go so easily. This is our life, without it... we don't exist anyway, so we have to at least try", said one resident. Fortunately for that family, the floods did not make it to their town.
It is not a good idea to stay in your home during a dangerous situtation, everything but lives can be replaced - it just might take a little bit longer, but that's what the appeal/relief is for.
The following are companies and organizations who have organized and Appeal
and also offer information:
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