Natural disasters can happen anytime, anywhere and come in different forms and varied intensity. Although the most common ones can arise from climatic conditions and weather patterns, the other natural disasters can be geological or due to changes in the crust of the earth.
One of the most devastating natural disasters is the flooding in Australia which started in Queensland on November 29, 2010. Around three quarters of the state has been declared a disaster zone.
Queensland is the second largest state in Australia with a population of over 3.6 million. It has world class beaches and waterways which are enjoyed not only by its people but by tourists as well. However, it was predicted that until autumn, the northern and inland eastern of Queensland will be experiencing more wet weather conditions due to the effects of La Nina.
On January 12, 2010, Brisbane, the state capital of Queensland, experienced the worst natural disaster in more than a century. It is considered as “deadly flood crisis” and even exceeded the 1974 catastrophic floods. Brisbane, known as the River City, has a population of 1 million people. And as more rain continued to pour, around 50 suburbs in the low lying areas were flooded as the Brisbane River reached its peak and hundreds of residential properties and commercial establishments went underwater. This river is like a serpentine that winds through the city centre and nearby suburbs.
Thousands of people were evacuated to higher places as their homes were inundated with water up to the roof. Due to the power outage even the residents in high-rise apartments were asked to leave their homes.
The devastation to infrastructure, rail lines and highways, immobilised not only the people but the transport of products to and from the markets. The damages to properties, industries and businesses are estimated to reach billions of dollars. It may take months and even years to rebuild, recover and re-establish Queensland.
Video of a Tugboat saving the Brisbane Bridge From Skynews
