Recovery

Since the peak of the flood waters on Thursday morning, Brisbane has been in recovery mode.  The waters receded more quickly than expected and by Saturday morning the clean-up effort was in full force.  Friday when we arrived home the those living on the main street near our house, Baroona, which had been completely underwater, had already started the clean-up.
Residents were instructed to just put all refuse out by the curb and there was a constant stream of garbage trucks going in and picking up garbage.  By the end of the day on Friday there was nothing left curbside.  There were so many volunteers that the city had to turn people away.  We saw groups of people with brooms and brushes walking up and down the street, offering help where ever it was needed.  The most valuable commodity in all of Queensland are gumboots.  They are impossible to find but completely necessary.  The flood muck is full of bacteria and it is just too easy to get a bad infection by walking in the muck in flip-flops (standard Aussie footwear in all weather).

McDonald's and Suncorp Stadium (5 minute walk from our house) January 14

McDonald's and Suncorp Stadium January 15

By tomorrow morning the city is anticipating that most businesses will be open.  The exceptions are those that were right on the water front and will need time to get in new fixtures and get replacements for any glassware that was lost.  For as devastating as the flood was, there is concern that businesses that are able to open just won't get the customers in.  The Lord Mayor has been on television reminding everyone that places are open for trade and that we all need to do our part by continuing to shop and go out for dinner in these places.  We felt guilty about it, but we did go out for dinner last night at a place that stayed open during the floods.  The people working there seemed happy to get in customers and we were not the only ones out, the few places that were open were full.

January 14, looking west on Baroona drive at the end of our street

January 15, looking west on Baroona Drive

Now that the danger has passed for most of Queensland, both New South Wales and Victoria are facing flood crises.  The bad weather here just won't end.  As bad as it has been, with 16 dead and 15 missing, this is nothing compared to what they are experiencing with heavy rain and landslides in South America.  As we have said before, we are very lucky.