The Queensland Floods
Outrageously dangerous floods in South East Queensland have become out of control with waters from not only rain, but the releasing of local dams tipping over, threatening over 30 or more Brisbane suburbs. This disaster continues after Queensland town, Toowoomba, was crushed by a wall of water earlier this week. Houses were swept away, a growing number of people have been killed and dozens more are missing.
Fortunately, online social networking sites such as facebook and twitter have allowed people to communicate and share important information regarding police updates and the latest news updates with people who had no other way of finding out this information. Constant news updates over the radio and television are also being broadcast and updated regularly, encouraging people to keep a keen eye out for any information that may affect them or people they know.
Media news reports are submitting suggestions that the damage being possibly greater then the infamous 1974 floods that happened through Brisbane and Ipswich. The result of of these devastating floods lead to the building of Wivenhoe Dam, which is currently sitting over 150% capacity.
The next 48 hours will prove vital for Queensland residents as many residents brace for flooding from free traveling waters that are beyond control. Evacuation and precaution plans have begun to take place.
An inspiring spirit of mateship between survivors around the south east has shown the strength of humanity, with many people offering their homes as safe havens for people with nowhere else to go. Evacuation shelters are currently filled with thousands of residents trying to escape the disaster.
News reports are continually updating and for more information regarding the Queensland floods, the State Emergency Service (SES), or what you can do to help, visit: http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/
It’s interesting how disasters have changed because of technology like facebook. If this happened even 5 years ago, I would have just worried about my friends in Queensland and maybe call the hotline (which is already overworked) asking if they were okay. Now, I just see their status updates.
Erin,
Incredibly true. I even emailed an elderly couple that live down the road from us to see if they were okay. Luckily, they are, and I found out by their reply. Thankfully my family hasn’t been greatly affected by the floods, however I do know people that have. I was speaking to a university peer who had no power over facebook and telling her what she needed to do to check when her power would be back on, because facebook was the way she had of communicating, other then by individually calling people.
To be honest, I’ve found out quite a bit of information over facebook and I”m grateful. Though, news reports started coming out saying that rumours were spreading at an incredible rate over facebook as well. So I guess it’s been good and not so good at the same time.
The constant up date has really shown the commitment of Australians-
I was up in Queensland during these times and saw friends loose thier whole house under water- but through the support of media, strangers and facebook the support has been endless and I have actually seen these flood victims smile at the support from Australians 🙂
i am from Queensland my self and recently moved to SA and found out my home town waas flooded and my family and friendds were all in Queensland luckly none were injured it was a shock to most people and it was very sad hope every one who lost every thing will be okay my heart goes out to every one grieving over this inccident