Checking in
Just thought I'd check in with you all and keep you updated.
Camp Hill is a very old neighborhood in Brisbane, and the '74 floods didn't come close. There are a few evacuation points being formed close by, as they're expecting that a few thousand homes will be lost over the next 24 hours. Because I'm perched on top of a hill, I'm the unofficial rally point for several people who are at risk. So, I'm stocked up on beer and steak (and sparkling water!) so we should be well supplied until the water recedes. In a surreal twist of fate, Brisbane has woken up to a bright blue sunshine morning without the thunderstorms predicted. Thank god for small mercies!
My workplace is on the front of the Brisbane River in Milton, right by Suncorp Stadium, and they expect that the first floor will be inundated. I might not be able to go back until early next week, so I'm doing my best working from home.
I've attached a few pictures - the first one is Suncorp Stadium. Looks good as a swimming pool! Perhaps they should have flooded the Gabba during the Ashes...
The second photo is a shot of the Eagle Street Pier. There's a lot of debris running down the river, which could cause further damage to rescue work. What you cannot see in this photo is all the open-air cafes and bars. They're already submerged.
The 501st Legion will be going into overdrive with the fund raising, so I'm sure you'll hear more from me down the track. As it is, most of the guys have gone down to local sandbagging stations, to help fill and distribute sandbags. It's so easy to underestimate the way that the community pulls together.
I'll keep you all posted,
Jac xx
Posted on Tuesday, Jan 11, 2011
