We have had a wet Winter, a wetter Spring and are now in the midst of a torrential Summer. Our state is fast becoming something of a war zone! It's one thing to see countries far far away being swept along in the Monsoonal Season, you truly feel for them but don't really understand exactly what they are feeling and experiencing. It's suddenly much closer to home, it's affecting people we know and love and it's very very real.
The speed of this disaster is frightening. People have been posting videos on Facebook and you seen the torrents flowing, a creek is transformed into muddy rapids within minutes, cars being thrown around like they are toys. It's just so surreal.
My dear friend, her husband and baby girl were on alert last night and prepared to evacuate if need be. They awoke this morning to see water around their home, surrounding streets and suburb but were safe and tentatively relieved. Only a few short hours later, they are stranded. Water levels rose suddenly and was within 2 metres of their house. They are now unable to leave their home, evacuation is impossible.
The news is now warning of flash flooding coming towards our city. My home is 2km from the river, up until now I was feeling quite safe. We are elevated, we look out over the city. But yesterday a town west of us on the mountain range was washed away. Suddenly, I'm not feeling quite so safe. Do I pack up our most precious valuables? Put the photos, laptops, birth certificates/passports and a change of clothes away? Where do I put it, the car is downstairs in the garage but seriously if we get flooded here on higher ground there is really nowhere else to go but the roof and keep our fingers crossed.
The phone network has gone down. DH phoned from his office line in the city to say they are being sent home. Only two nights ago we were watching the Flood Relief Appeal and donating money to all those people further North. Now it feels very real.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have been devastated by this natural disaster.
