Floods in QLD and NSW

Thoughts and prayers go out to all those affecting by the rain and flooding on the East Coast.

Toowoomba was devastated yesterday by a flash flood:



(More pictures at http://www.news.com.au/pictures/gallery-e6frflv9-1225985209684)

Today, Brisbane is being affected by the floods, with the Brisbane River breaking its banks. The river is not expected to peak until Thursday.

The last time Brisbane suffered such a devastating flood was in 1974, after which the Wivenhoe dam was built to protect the city. However, the dam (according the news last night) is already 40% over capacity so they are releasing water from it which is then flowing downstream to Brisbane.

Further north, Cairns is on flash flood alert as a severe thunderstorm is moving through the area.

The company I work for has a number of manufacturing plants and distribution centres in Queensland. These have all been closed due to the floods. Thankfully all staff are safe.

Please keep those in the flood areas in your prayers.

[UPDATE] 75% of Queensland has been declared a disaster zone

(http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/floodrelief/disaster-zone-now-spans-75pc-of-state/story-fn7ik2te-1225985785232).

[/UPDATE]

(Updates on the floods can be found here http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/floodrelief/flood-info-centre-updates-reports-warnings-advice-and-how-you-can-help/story-fn7ik2te-1225985436806)