I got a call to inform me that my god mother has passed away peacefully, although unexpectedly last night. The pain of losing someone you love doesn’t get any easier. If she had waited for another 2 weeks, I would have been able to see her for the last time, but alas, I sit here, mourning my loss with the rest of QLD as we battle the worst flood in many, many years.


Over 10 people have died and more than 60 are still missing. For those who are worried about me, I am safe, high up the ground and staying very dry! The sun is shining, but the worse of the flood is yet to come. So, what can you do? Photo Gallery


Stay informed
- For a visual representation of roadblocks, flooding, potential flooding and evacuation: QLD Floods Map Visage
- Twitter: follow @QPSmedia @612brisbane @abcnews @brisbanecityqld @brisbanetimes @couriermail
Follow the hashtags #QLDFloods #QLDFlood #TheBigWet #BNEFloods #BNEFlood
- Facebook: Queensland Police Service, Brisbane City Council
- News: ABC News, ABC News 24 (for LIVE 24 hours news)


Donate and Volunteer
- Donate: QLD Premier Appeal, Bendigo Bank Flood Appeal
- Volunteer: Volunteering QLD CREW Form, Youngcare is also looking for qualified carers – email kodonnell@youngcare.com.au for details, Mission Australia Flood Clean Up Volunteeres


Resources
- Check Brisbane City Council’s website to see if your area is or might be affected.
- Storage King is offering free pickup and storage for all those in QLD and North NSW affected by the flood – call 1 800 STORAGE (1800 786 724)
- If you are, or know anyone who is in distress, call Lifeline at 13 11 14 or check out www.reachout.com
– Disaster Recovery Hotline: 1800 173 349
- State Emergency Service: 132 500


I’ll continue to tweet from @ehon and try to update as much as I can.

5 comments - blog + Disaster + Queensland Floods QLD NSW Australia Flooding Flood 1974 Big Flood under water Brisbane City Council

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It’s only been nearly a week and the Haiti earthquake is said to be the fifth worst quake since medieval times, with an estimated death of half a million people, double the death toll of the deadly tsunami.



As aids come in from nations around the world, many organisations are doing their bids in helping as well. Donation appeals have been going crazy on Twitter, and it warms my heart to see the generosity of everyone on Twitter! I was torn between which organisations to donate but, but I do realise it doesn’t really matter – they *all* need the money, so I chose 3 of my favourite charities and what they do that I am passionate about.



Most of the organisations appealing for money on Twitter are from USA, and one of my friends said that he didn’t donate because it will also charge him conversion fee – which is a lame reason but fair enough. Thus, I thought I’d put together a list of Australian organisations you can donate too – tax deductible and no conversion rate.

Save the Children Australia – directed immediately to the most vulnerable children and their families in Haiti.

Australian Red Cross – teaming up with other Red Cross and Red Crescent around the world to provide relief.

Oxfam Australia – responding with public health, water, and sanitation services to prevent the spread of disease.

Médecins Sans Frontières Australia – medical projects and are now helping to treat the injured.

Plan International – focus on water, sanitation, health, shelter and child protection.

Half a million people predicted dead. If there is a good time to open up your heart and empty your wallet, this is the time to do so.

* Pictures taken from Brisbane Times and information from SBS Word News

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