It’s a sunny day outside but damp underfoot, the flood waters out here have receded but are forcing thousands of Ipswich and Brisbane residents from their homes. Feeling very fortunate to have got off so lightly when many were lucky to escape with their lives. The TV is full of disturbing images of houses barely emerging from the murky brown water, and stories of the narrow escapes and hardships of those forced to abandon their homes. The state premier Anna Bligh, and Australian prime minister Julia Gillard are constantly on the screen, assuring support and asking residents to co-operate with rescue workers.
All the roads around us were blocked yesterday but this morning H. was able to get through to Laidley where he reported at the local station, and last I heard is helping to man the phones. I’m here at home washing and cleaning, following the TV reports and listening to the local police radio band, hearing the helicopters flying overhead as they go back and forth performing rescue operations.
