Tuesday 11 January 2011

Stay safe

I saw the Brisbane River break its banks this morning.

Stupidly, we (a friend and I) made an expedition to the State Library of Qld with our children. The State Library overlooks the river. We were inside but the view was of the river lapping onto the walkways.

Debris the size of tree trunks was floating down the muddied river. It was a surreal sight - one I will not forget too quickly. My friend took photos. I didn't even think to bring my camera but I probably wouldn't have taken shots anyway.

The rumour mill was working into overdrive at the State Library. From overheard conversations, we discovered that all public transport was to be shut down. There was a general feeling of panic at the extremely busy bus terminal. The buses were  full to overflowing.

Now that we are safely home, we have found out that public transport will not be shut down, so there was no need to panic. At any rate, I am glad we are out of the river precinct. We are fortunately not at risk where we live.

I called Jason as he works in the City. He's on his way home, they're shutting the office for the afternoon. We're hoping he gets home before it gets worse but it is bumper to bumper traffic to get out of the CBD.

The rain is still falling steadily. Will it ever cease?

My thoughts are with family and friends who are living in the "at risk" areas of Brisbane and Ipswich. Stay safe and take care.

Update 3.30pm:
Jason's just walked through the door. All is good.

He dropped a friend off at Cannon Hill Station so he could pick up his car. His friend had been waiting an hour for his train to get out of the CBD - one had been cancelled. Luckily he called Jason to get a lift home.

The entire trip took 1 1/2 hours. The worst of the trip was getting out of Adelaide Street onto the Story Bridge.

I'm feeling a bit nervous because my parents live in East Brisbane nearby Norman Creek. They don't have the telephone on either (some mad idea about being harassed by telemarketers...don't you just hate old people!). They have been in the same house since the 60s. The 1974 floods fortunately never reached their house although the lower end of the street went under. I'm hoping they will be okay too.

I hate unpredictable times like these.

31 comments:

  1. Anita, I was just thinking of you and wondering how you were...glad to hear you're OK and that Jason's on his way home...hopefully he won't be too long.
    Lesley
    x

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  2. It's really scary. You guys are lucky to be on safe ground. X

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  3. So glad to hear you're not in town!

    Shocking isn't it? And surreal is an understatement ... it's happened so suddenly!

    And now we can't buy milk! Ye Gods!

    Prayers for those affected.

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  4. Thinking of you all & willing the rain to STOP!

    Katie

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  5. Fingers crossed you and your parents remain safe and dry. Tamara x

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  6. Hi Anita...isn't it surreal. I heard Tony and kelly were evacuating sounds awful. The garden centre is set to go under...thinking of your mum and dad. Get them out of there, xxxxx Katherine

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  7. Hi Anita,
    My husband came home early too and I hate this feeling. I feel anxious, and terribly sad for people with loss of lives, homes etc.
    Hope you stay dry. Sonia x

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  8. Oh Katherine. The poor Garden Centre. I just talked to Tony. It is just unbelievable. We are shaking our heads, we are dumbfounded by what is happening to Brisbane.

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  9. What a worry - I saw on the map that Norman Creek was at risk - my niece's house has been evacuated in West End, and my mother lives on the Tweed which is next. It is surreal.

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  10. Yes, get your parents out of there and buy them a mobile. How can they feel safe without a phone? Scarey!

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  11. The water is rising here and the shops are emptying of bread and milk and believe it or not BBQ chickens. I raced home just before lunch when I heard that the dam was being let go at noon. The river was HUGE at Goodna as I scooted past on a very late train. It hasn't stopped raining and there is the sound of helicopters in the air. We are safe up on the hill here in Ipswich but I was in this town in 1974 when the last big one can through and it was apocalyptic. It is supposed to be as bad if not worse this time.

    K's brother and his family were plucked from the roof of their ruined house in Grantham but they are fortunately OK. It just came up so fast that these hardened farmers wouldn't even risk it in their 4WDs. They just scrambled onto their roof and waited. The death toll in their village appears set to rise. Puts life into perspective doesn't it. We are all so lucky to be safe and dry and comfy in our homes. Good luck everyone and stay safe.

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  12. How awful! Yes, do stay safe indeed. Best of luck to everyone there. Please keep us updated.

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  13. So glad to hear you and yours are ok Anita. Grantham is so, so sad. No more excursions for the next few days ok?

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  14. Dear Anita, I saw it on TV this morning, it is terrible. I am glad you are OK!!! I hope that things will get better!! xoxo, Monika

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  15. Oh Anita, I am glad you are all safe and Jason is home. It must be so worrying. The news tonight was just awful and we had to turn it off because the children were getting upset. I just read A-M has been evacuated ( as if she hasn't been through enough). Stay safe and keep us up to date. Thanks for this post as well, it's funny how we can worry about people we havent met but I couldn't wait to get to the computer to make sure you guys were all ok. Take care. Deb

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  16. I am pleased to hear that you are safe and well. I will keep you all in my prayers along with your parents. xx

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  17. I can confirm that SLQ and QAG/GoMA shut their doors mid afternoon, and they won't re-open until at least Friday.

    I decided to evacuate the city early, and managed to get myself home about lunch time. Working from home in my pyjamas for a couple of days!

    Stay safe everyone...

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  18. Thinking of you all. I've had contact with family today and they are all OK and on higher ground, so my stress levels went down a bit. Stay safe...T

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  19. I feel so terrible for you folks. The story's on the news every day here in Canada. Take care.

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  20. glad to hear you're dry anita, fingers crossed for your mum and dad xxx

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  21. hi mate, so glad to hear you are ok, must be terrible. So many have had to evacuate, I can't imagine the unsettling feeling that would give someone. Good luck, stay safe and take care, thinking of you.... xxx

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  22. It was only this morning that I realised the extent of what is going on over there. I'm glad you're in a safe bit of Brisbane. All those other poor people, flung from ordinary life into something uncontrollable. Much well-wishing to anyone who is affected.

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  23. Stay safe guys. We atre high and dry in morningside thankfully.

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  24. I thought of you when I saw the news. I'm glad to hear that you are ok. I hope the weather will change soon and your parent's place will stay intact.

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  25. This is so very frightening. I hope and pray that the waters recede and the rains stop.

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  26. ive been thinking about all my aussie friends and hoping all is well
    ~laura xx

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  27. hi Anita I was going to email you I figured you are in a reasonably high part of Brisbane. We closed down our Brisbane office yesterday (its in Waterfront Place). It is all so scary. Stay safe. And go and get your parent asap... xo

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  28. Anita I've been thinking about you. I rang Mum this morning to check all were safe and you were in my thoughts. Sorry I didn't get to drop in and see you. Mum wouldn't let me out of her sight on the Coast as I was home for so little time. My prayers are with you too and really pleased to know you're not at any risk.

    xxx
    Ange

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  29. Please stay safe and keep us posted. We'll all be thinking of you!

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  30. Glad you are not in an at-risk area Anita. It is very scary indeed.
    Jx

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  31. this is a bad time - so happy you are safe - it's beyond belief - stay dry - hope your folks remain safe le xox

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