The floods continue!

 (Copyright Herald-Sun, Melbourne, January 2011)

We're now into another week, and the floods continue.  

The massive "clean-up" has started in Queensland, particularly Brisbane city, however it has been suggested that it will not only take months to effectively get back to normal, but years.    Many people have returned to their homes - those whose homes are still standing that is, to find there is no power connected, no water connected, and their homes ruined completely.   Farmers are faced with incredible financial hardships and backbreaking work to clear their land of debris and to replant and restock, as a lot of livestock was lost in the floods.  But the will to overcome is strong.

The news today is that more  than one quarter of Victoria is now inundated or effected by flood waters.  Towns have been cut off; major roads have been washed away; townships flooded and many thousands of people have been evacuated and are wondering "what next?"  This is becoming known as "one in 200 years" flood, and land that has not seen a drop of water for more than 12 years in many places as seen from the air, now looks like a huge inland lake as far as the eye can see. 

Women everywhere are donning gum boots, hauling sandbags, collecting mud in shovels away from homes (their own, their neighbours and even strangers) and doing their bit in the fight to win the battle.   And when not out doing the hard yakka, women are encouraging each other with words of comfort and understanding.   You are women to be proud of - we salute you, one and all.