Sometimes, all you can do is list off the facts to try and comprehend just how devastating the effect something has had. So, we say things like:
- At least 33 places in Queensland recorded more than one metre of rain between February 23 to 28.
- Some areas received 2.5 times their average rainfall for the month.
- For the first time in Brisbane’s history, the city had three consecutive days when more than 200mm fell.
- National disaster declarations have been issued for 17 council areas.
- Claims for disaster support have been received from 35 active local government areas.
- 15,000 homes have been flooded.
- Gympie copped its highest flood in a century.
- Lismore in Northern NSW has had a record-breaking flood. The town, alongside Murwillumbah, was turned into one big wetland and has been evacuated in low-lying parts.
- Hundreds of roads are closed, including the M1 at Tweed River.
- A disaster payment of $1000 for adults and $400 for children is available for those affected by the floods in South East Queensland.
- Brisbane City Council is actively seeking out volunteers to help out with the clean-up.
And yet, these facts pale in comparison to what we’ve actually seen and experienced.
1. On one side it looks calm, on the other…
2. Little creeks have turned into raging rivers
This is my local creek at 3.00pm this afternoon. Normally the width of the creek’s water course would only at the most be 2 metres wide. Now it’s this raging river of flood water, probably about 60 to 70 metres wide, and we are not done yet. #brisbanefloods pic.twitter.com/NvtFxllLtx
— 💧🌱Michael Springer🕯 (@MichaelSpring17) February 26, 2022
3. The force is brutal
Boat getting pulled under QUT ferry terminal. #brisbanefloods #Brisbane pic.twitter.com/hfKlZbpmnG
— martin (@neonmadmax) February 27, 2022
4. The levels are high
5. So high that whole towns have turned into wetlands, including Murwillumbah…
🔴 AUSTRALIA: FATAL FLOODING IN BRISBANE ! WORST AUSTRALIAN FLOODS IN DECADES!
8 people died, more missing & hundreds have been rescued as flooding hits #Brisbane, #Lismore, #Murwillumbah & #Grafton.#BreakingNews #Video #Flooding #Inundaciones #Inondation pic.twitter.com/mQis9LpjEJ
— loveworld (@LoveWorld_Peopl) March 1, 2022
6. And Lismore
7. Some places have only been accessible by boat
8. And there’s going to be a lot of car insurance claims
9. Just 😲
10. The mess from the debris is devastating
Hawthorne ferry terminal#brisbanefloods #floods #Brisbane pic.twitter.com/Dm4tmZY3LV
— Denis Dunn 🌏 (@DenisJohn71) February 27, 2022
11. The Brisbane River as rapids
Timelapse #brisbaneflood #Brisbane #qldflood #brisbanefloods pic.twitter.com/WNotLdL7lA
— The Effluencer (@theeffluencer) February 28, 2022
12. Look at the traffic lights for an indication of how high the water is here…
Just outside of Toombul Shopping Centre.
The lower car park was completely flooded and this intersection is just insane 🤯#qldfloods #brisbanefloods pic.twitter.com/wMet2JKoqa
— Amanda | Aesop Sample Gronk (@FlossyAmanda) February 27, 2022
13. Time goes by and the water recedes
The viewing deck has made a reappearance as the #Brisbane river recedes#brisbanefloods pic.twitter.com/KZmcHCb45S
— Alison Rice PhD (@alison_mrice) March 1, 2022
14. However, it’s going to be a massive clean up
15. So please be kind to each other, this will pass