Monday, January 10, 2011

Land of Drought and Flooding Plains


(photo by Tabitha Bird)

All Australians know that summer is the wet season. we know January will bring searing heat and tropical storms. And we all love our sunburnt country, our land of flooding plains... but 2011 has arrived with attitude. She's none too happy, this new year.

I spent yesterday watching pictures of regions surrounding Brisbane flooding. This after record rains all through December and regions to the north of Queensland already flooded. Toowoomba, a town about an hour from where I live here in Brisbane, went down under flash floods that have killed eight so far with 72 missing. It's not a large town to begin with, and now its a sea.

My mother lives in Toowoomba.
You can imagine my panic.

I finally reached her by phone late yesterday evening and she's okay. Her house isn't flooded, yet, but she can't get out. 43 people in her suburb where rescued by helicopter from their roof tops. All roads are cut off. The entire valley around her has flooded. There is no way in or out of the area.
So we wait... for further news and for these flood waters that are heading for Brisbane. Toowoomba is only an hour from Brisbane, our biggest city. Thank God I live closer to the bay areas and so far we aren't in the path of the floods. However, if you pray, I'd appreciate the prayer. Not so much for me, but for all those affected by floods who have lost loved ones and all belongings. Much of the north of Queensland is already under water. We are already a state in crisis. If Brisbane goes under, well... you can imagine. Thousands and thousands have already been left stranded in Queensland from December rains. More storms are predicted for the next few weeks with no end yet in sight.

So, sorry for the lack of posting yesterday, my regular scheduled time and for not visiting your blogs. I will be back on schedule as soon as possible.

Thanks all,
Tab
Posted by Tabitha Bird at 3:08 PM

28 comments:

  1. Wine and WordsJanuary 10, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Wine and WordsJanuary 10, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    Oh my. You must be worried sick. And your poor mother. I will be praying for her safety and your peace of mind.

    ((Hugs))

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  3. David MacaulayJanuary 10, 2011 at 4:14 PM

    That's crazy Tabitha - I hope your mother is OK.

    David

    http://britsintheus23.blogspot.com/

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  4. WritingNutJanuary 10, 2011 at 4:23 PM

    My prayers are with you Tabitha... I hope your mother remains safe. Hopefully this passes quickly and everything returns to normal soon.

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  5. The Words CrafterJanuary 10, 2011 at 4:36 PM

    Don't worry about visiting! Praying for you, your family, and your whole area! Bless you!

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  6. Kittie HowardJanuary 10, 2011 at 6:29 PM

    My prayers are with you, your family and everyone in the affected areas. I'm from a hot climate that can have severe flooding (Louisiana) and, for a variety of reasons, understand your panicked feeling. I hope your mother remains safe. Bless you!!!

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  7. Tricia J. O'BrienJanuary 10, 2011 at 7:55 PM

    I've got you, your family and friends held in my thoughts. Hugs.

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  8. Stephanie ThorntonJanuary 10, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    You're in my thoughts. I hope things get better soon!

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  9. Susan R. MillsJanuary 10, 2011 at 9:35 PM

    I'll be thinking about you and praying for your family.

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  10. Alison Pearce StevensJanuary 11, 2011 at 2:53 AM

    I can't imagine what you're going through. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

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  11. AnonymousJanuary 11, 2011 at 3:40 AM

    This is terrible news. Of course I will say a prayer for all affected by Mother Nature's tenacity. x

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  12. Just Be RealJanuary 11, 2011 at 3:54 AM

    Prayers are going up TB.

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  13. RHYTHM AND RHYMEJanuary 11, 2011 at 5:14 AM

    The weather seems to be going haywire everywhere.
    I do hope and pray your mother is ok, it must be hell living in such conditions.
    Yoou have my sympathy,

    Yvonne.

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  14. solJanuary 11, 2011 at 5:45 AM

    sending my thoughts and positive hope you, your mother and the people of australia! xo {hugs}

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  15. LizaJanuary 11, 2011 at 7:14 AM

    Oh Tab, I did see about Toowoomba in the newspaper today and thought of you. Now I am praying for you and your mother.

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  16. kareJanuary 11, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    Tabitha,
    You & your family are in our prayers..
    *Jesus, we ask for safety for all these lovely people, be with them please*

    *kare<3

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  17. AnonymousJanuary 11, 2011 at 7:41 AM

    Here's hoping you'll be spared, and that your mother continues to be safe, good lady. Be well.

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  18. Blasphemous AestheteJanuary 11, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    Gosh!

    All I can say now is to you, to take care

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  19. A misinterpreted waveJanuary 12, 2011 at 4:08 AM

    xo

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  20. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2011 at 6:48 AM

    I'm glad to read your mom is currently safe, and may her and your family continue to be safe. Prayers to you and to all effected by the extreme weather.

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  21. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2011 at 7:16 AM

    I hope you and your family are okay!

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  22. Deb ShuckaJanuary 12, 2011 at 9:20 AM

    Sending prayers for all of you. I'm glad your family and your mom are safe and so sorry for all of the losses surrounding you.

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  23. OlgaJanuary 12, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    Is is so awful to worry about your family. I know the feeling. I wish you all the best!

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  24. Terri TiffanyJanuary 12, 2011 at 12:02 PM

    I have been watching the news and hoped one of my australian friends would report and give us good news. It must be frightening for your mom and all of you. I will be praying!
    Congrats on a full request!

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  25. Mary AalgaardJanuary 12, 2011 at 1:19 PM

    Sounds aweful. And, that you have plenty to worry about. I hope your mother is okay. Will she need to stay with you? How will that be? You don't really need to answer these questions. Just know that I care.

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  26. K.January 12, 2011 at 8:39 PM

    Nothing but positivity and http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_CarNcodpCMA/SfEdqq5yQPI/AAAAAAAADcU/Czj2gskQn4M/s1600-h/1aladyanchor002.png

    sent your way.

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  27. Sarah WylieJanuary 12, 2011 at 8:45 PM

    We have some good friends in the Brisbane/Toowoomba area, and have been anxious too. Praying for all of you!

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  28. Craftsman of lightJanuary 13, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    My thoughts and my prayers go to you all in Australia,for safety, and comfort for those who have lost much more than that can be said.

    May you all be protected!

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