Queensland Flood Devastation "Incredible", Says Premier
The devastating floods that have swept through Queensland, Australia, have left a trail of destruction and chaos in their wake, with the state’s Premier describing the devastation as "incredible".
The floods, which began on Monday, have affected thousands of people, with many forced to evacuate their homes and businesses. The city of Brisbane, the state capital, has been particularly hard hit, with the Brisbane River bursting its banks and inundating large areas of the city.
"It’s an incredible scene, I’ve never seen anything like it," said Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, who has been touring the affected areas. "The devastation is just incredible. I’ve seen homes that are completely underwater, businesses that are ruined, and people who have lost everything."
The floods have been caused by heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms that have dumped massive amounts of water on the state over the past few days. The city of Brisbane has received over 200mm of rain in the past 24 hours, with some areas receiving as much as 300mm.
The city’s CBD has been particularly affected, with the Brisbane River overflowing its banks and flooding large areas of the city. Many businesses and homes have been inundated, with the city’s iconic Story Bridge being closed due to the floodwaters.
The floods have also caused widespread disruption to transportation and communication networks, with many roads and highways closed due to the floodwaters. The city’s airport has also been affected, with many flights cancelled or delayed.
The Australian Defence Force has been deployed to assist with the relief efforts, with troops and equipment being sent to the affected areas. The Federal Government has also pledged support to the state, with Prime Minister Julia Gillard describing the floods as a "national emergency".
The Queensland Government has set up emergency centers to assist those affected by the floods, with many people seeking shelter and assistance. The state’s Disaster Management Act has been declared, allowing the government to take control of the relief efforts.
The full extent of the damage is still unknown, but it is estimated that thousands of homes and businesses have been affected. The floods are expected to continue for several days, with the city of Brisbane expected to remain under water for several days.
The people of Queensland are rallying together to support those affected by the floods, with many people donating goods and services to the relief efforts. The state’s Premier has also appealed for donations to the state’s flood relief fund, with many people responding generously.
As the people of Queensland begin the long process of recovery and rebuilding, they are reminded of the importance of community and resilience in the face of disaster. The floods are a stark reminder of the power of nature, and the need for preparedness and planning in the face of such events.
