Major Flooding Disaster Hits Queensland Australia

[Deleted member 5760]

Little update from Brisvegas here - we're all ok at this point.

Can't say the same for a lot of houses, but it was like ~clockwork~ the way everyone got out. Amazing state govt I gotta say. Jesta I know the group of backpacker places you mean. They'd have been evacuated (there's a few there so I'm not sure which one you mean). I'm not that close but I can say I lost ALL contact at one point yesterday -ie phone and internet to 'emergency calls only'. So if you can't get through that's prob why. But all the news here is that everyone in Bris is ok. The power is also out for safety reasons in certain areas (electricity and water dont mix).

I'm going to sit down now, have a little cry - as I did last night - and remind myself why I've given in to marriage. Because if I have to go through ONE more of these things alone I'm gonna... well, get married.

I hope youve got contact with your son and his gf. To anyone affected I'm so sorry because I've really been ok. And maybe it's habit, but right now I just feel guilt and sadness that once again, I got lucky.

 

[Deleted member 5760]

Btw jesta - Im not playing that up to reassure you - the news here TRULY IS everyone is fine. So I'm almost 100% positive your son and his gf are among them.

 

[Deleted member 5760]

Actually jesta - let me change that reply : There's a group of backpackers not far from the bridge that are actually at quite a high point even tho they're right beside the river. They'd be sort of in the thick of it, but above it if that makes sense. Not gonna report anymore because I don't wanna be wrong about which one he is in. But, nonetheless, either way - news is, people here are A-OKAY.

 

[Jestadud]

Thanks for the info superjen. They did say in their last post that they were high up beside the river. We are pretty confident that they will be alright concerning the floodwater provided they stay put, but already what stores are open have had massive queues and run out of essential's like bread and water.

It seem's we have probably had better info here than they got out there as some hostels have no TV and Greyhound bus company were still selling tickets ( which they don't refund ) for places they couldn't get to. So they thought the flooding was ahead of them and didn't realise it was coming to meet them!!

At least they only have themselves to look out for, and our hearts do go out to those who have lost homes, property or even loved ones.

On the news here it said this same weather system ( La Nina ) is responsible for the flooding in Sri Lanka and the landslides in Brazil.

 

[Deleted member 5760]

I think you are spot on jesta. Im prettttty sure Im right about the group of backpacker places theyre in from the description. Theyre quite high up and would be fine. Just a matter of waiting for the water to go down. People were incredibly co-operative and it averted loss of the most important thing in brisbane (ie people).

 

[Nicolette]

Greyhound bus company were still selling tickets ( which they don't refund ) for places they couldn't get to.

I wouldn't let this issue rest Jestadud. We had bookings through Wotif.com.au which is last minute (a few weeks ahead of time) accommodation and they have a no refund policy but I asked to cancel our bookings due to the flooding. They initially said no but when I kicked up a stink about them having a disgusting attitude due to the situation unfolding I got a full refund excluding the $4.95 admin fee. This wasn't due to being flooded where we were - due to not being able to get to the booked location.

We initially had plans with a whole lot of hotels booked in August which we cancelled last minute as we had to change plans due to a personal issue. Due to the flooding at that stage, which was only up in North QLD, we were able to cancel all accommodation without any issues or loss of money.

Greyhound wouldn't want the bad publicity of seeming inhumane during such a terrible natural disaster.;)

 

[Jestadud]

I'll leave them to fight their own battles Nicolette, for me as long as they are safe they can put it all down to experience.
But from what they have said it does sound like backpackers of many nationalities have struggled to get good information regarding their travel plans and any changes mean a loss of money in one way or another.

 

[amethist]

Thanks for all the up dates on here.

I have just remembered I have a niece who is somewhere in Australia, no idea where, as not heard from her or her family for a long time, being from my ex husbands side.

I trust she is safe or I am sure we would have heard via other family members.

Let's just hope and pray this comes to an end very soon, without too many more loosing loved ones to all this.

 

[Iam]

I haven't been on the forum much lately so hadn't seen this thread until I posted on your profile just now Nicolette. My prayers are with you and your families Blwnaway, SuperJen, Jestadud, Anthony and Nicolette.

 

[Jestadud]

Have heard from my son so they are ok. ( they were on Upper Roma Street superjen ) They are even hoping that they will still be able to fly out of Brisbane to New Zealand on Saturday as planned. That seems amazing but I have checked and it seems the airport has remained open.
I feel a sense of guilt that my family involvement ends as simply as them getting on a plane and flying away while knowing all that waits for others to get their lives back on track. I have been flooded to a foot and a half inside the house before so have an idea of the clean up job and time involved to reach some semblance of normality.

Very best wishes to those that have to go through repair and rebuild.

 

[deer_in_headlights]

(((((((Jesta)))))))))))

How wonderful that your son and his girlfriend are safe!!! What a relief!!!

Amazing Jesta, please don't carry guilt on top of all that you are bearing up under. Your heart and good wishes to those suffering is even more powerful when guilt doesn't gnaw away at your strength. You have rare insight, from personal experience, to be of solace, understanding and comfort to others now suffering. Please don't let guilt sap your strength.

With love, caring and great joy in your good news,
Deer

 

[Deleted member 5760]

jesta - phew. Yup, thats exactly where I pictured them to be. Small world huh. As far as the airport is concerned, unless something very unforeseen happens they will be fine to go. Believe it or not, the airport never shut at all through this. Sis flew in and out to Sydney, and out to Melb this morning. And partner is flying in tonight to many many many a hug.

Thank you for caring because I feel the exact same way - guilty. Because I got out of all this without a scratch and without losing a single thing while I had to watch the city basically engulfed. I have cried. I was thinking of getting away for the weekend because if I go anywhere where I see this war zone I will burst into tears, no doubt. Think it will just be a weekend of lots of hugs and a few tears and Im sure my partner will understand if she sees a bit of meloncholy Jen hanging about. To everyone who has sent thoughts and well wishes - thank you all.