For those who don't know we have been hit by a natural disaster, it hasn't just destroyed one town or part of the state.. it has effected ALL of Queensland.. devastating floods have ripped through communites leaving in some places nothing.

Where I am in Brisbane/Ipswich we have been hit very hard especially Toowoomba & Grantham these two towns were hit by an "inland tsunami" it first hit Toowoomba (which is at the top of the range *mountains*)it was an 8 metre wall of water that surged through the main street taking cars (with people) and pedestrians with it.. In Grantham (which was next)the wave has taken the whole town.. no more homes or properties so many lost, so many lives taken.

Where I live in Ipswich we have been hit by massive flood waters many homeless, no power in most places (I just got mine back)no fresh milk, no petrol, limited bread, veges, fruit.. the whole Brisbane City and Ipswich City is basically closed..

If you would like to see you can see amateur videos on youtube type in Queensland Flood 2011, Brisbane flood 2011, Ipswich flood 2011,

Toowoomba can be seen here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LksHW6hhDnM&feature=related

This one has Brisbane, Ipswich and Toowoomba..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2yhQQjcQng

There are so many people missing 2 people we know are missing, they were last seen waiting to be evacuated.. we are praying that they have been taken to a centre or a home.

If anyone would like to donate to help rebuild our communities you can here

http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html

Thankyou

I have seen it on TV of Brisbane in the news yesterday evening and it's horrible to see how people are fighting against the water and how they are surviving. I hope that you will get good news about the 2 missing people you know and that they are save and well!

I hope my words here will find you and family doing alright.

I've seen the news on TV, couldn't believe it... all the best of wishes that you get through this ok and those of who are missing are found safe and well.

You're all in my thoughts, I think it goes without saying, you're all in everyone's thoughts and prayers.

Donation being made now.

Seeing some remarkable footage... just found this one this morning, though it's probably old news by now: Yacht sinking (they were rescued BTW)

Although the loss of life is obviously tragic, it's remarkable there hasn't been more given the extent of the disaster... I was amazed by how calm everyone seemed to be during the evacuations etc in Brisbane and it was so heartening to see people helping each other, rather than panicking or even trying to take advantage of the situation.

Looks like NSW, Victoria and Tasmania are all going to be experiencing flooding as well, though not on the same scale of course.

~ le bump ~

Thanks for the bump Les ;)

@Sam .. yes it was the same here.. calm no panicking and everyone helping each other.. I've just been out cleaning up homes of people I know who lost everything.. each place it was the same.. people helping one home when that was finished they all moved down to the next.. awesome to see how people come together.. I saw the yacht sink he was lucky.. Hope you were high and dry...

glad you are safe Jac....stay dry and keep us posted.
prayers for all those affected and for those who lost their life.

It's cleanup time now.. everyone is pitching in and cleaning up where they can.. complete stranges and people from other suburbs and states all coming together to work..

This gives you a really good idea of "before and after": http://www.abc.net.au/news/infographics/qld-floods/beforeafter2.htm

That is an awesome link Sam... thanks for that.. amazing.. I drove through Rocklea yesterday.. what a mess the mountains of rubbish on the road was huge it looked like a war zone..

Have been watching closely. Now Victoria is getting it and it looks pretty catastrophic there as well :(

Stay safe you guys!

Watching neighbours, friends and total strangers working together to clean up was heartwarming.
The days , months to come will be a real trial for those affected and there are SO many.

Donations are pouring in to our collection places here (run by Red Cross & ANZ Bank)
I had a wee chuckle about the report that said the Mayor of Condamine referring to the 20 State Emergency Service volunteers from New Zealand said they are still asking where the snake catcher is:) I would be too :)

I hope those still unaccounted for are found safe and well and the death toll does not rise any more.

A friend sent me this LINK about the wildlife losses. I was watching an old episode of Animal Rescue on TV last night where they were dealing with burned and terrified animals after the fires - and now this!

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2011/01/australian_flooding.html

33 amazing photos of the floods.

I love that one of the roos in the dingy... they look so calm, just happy to get out of the water I suppose.