Queensland floods

[Paulbot]

The footage we're seeing from Queensland is awful and unbelievable.

People dead and missing. Three quarters of the state a disaster area.

I hope our Queensland members stay safe and are not badly affected. We're all hoping the best for you all.

To those who can help there is a Flood Relief Appeal

[Hursticon]

My family and I made a donation last night, but I too would like to extend the sentiments that Paulbot has expressed - Take care guys, our thoughts are with you.

[5FDP]

My dad is in a suburb which is likely to be evacuated tonight. I'm not getting any sleep that's for sure.

My heart and thoughts go out to all the families effected by this tragedy.

[1AZRAEL1]

True that. Saw some pretty crazy footage of one minute there was a parking lot of cars, the next it was flooded with cars being washed away. Crazy stuff.

I too have family up there, my cousin and her hubby moved up there year before last I think, she is down in the Gong visiting family, her hubby is up there. She can't go back yet, as the place they are living is in the evac zone. But he is fine thankfully. SO I know how people would be feeling.

Hope all the guys on here are safe at least.

[Vector Prime]

Whilst I don't have any relatives or friends up in QLD, my thoughts and heart goes out to all those affected, especially our fellow board members.

I just saw some of the footage and it's absolutely crazy

Mother nature can be so cruel sometimes.

Hopefully all you guys are safe!

[loophole]

i just saw some footage as well its amazing how much destructive force mother nature can giveout in such a short time

pray that everyones family and friends stay safe through this disaster

[SkyWarp91]

For anyone that has relatives in the flooded regions of QLD I found this in my SAS Survival Guide:

Food and Water
Food is not likely to be a problem, at least at first, for animals will also head for high ground. Both predators and prey are likely to concentrate on getting to safety - but beware of injury from panic stricken animals in the water.

Drinking water may be difficult to obtain, for water swirling around you may be contamninated, collect rainwater to drink, and boil any other water before you use it.

Flooded Buildings
If you are in a building when the water begins to rise, stay where you are. You will be at less risk than trying to evacuate on foot. Turn off gas and electricity and prepare emergency food supplies , warm clothing and drinking water in well sealed containers. Collect a torch, whistle, mirror and brightly colored cloths for signalling, and add them to your gear with a camp stove, candles and matches.

Move to an upper floor, or on to the roof in a single story buidling. If you are forced to occupy the roof - erect a shelter. If it is a sloping roof, tie everyone to a chimney stack or other solid structure. If the water continues to rise, prepare some kind of raft. If you have no ropes, use bed sheets. Unless the water rises so high you are forced to evacuate, stay until it stops rising.

Evacuation
Seek shelter on higher ground. You don't have to be at the bottom of the hill to be on low ground. When walking or diving to a safer location remember that a small drop in the level of the roadway down a hill can make a difference to the water depth. If your call stalls, abandon it. You and your vehicle could be swept away. Do not attempt to cross a pool or stream unless you are certain the water will not be higher than the centre of the car's wheels or your knees. If crossing bridges which are underwater take special care if flood has already swept away part of the bridge away.

Flood Aftermath
Do not go outside until you know it's safe. More storms could be on the way.

As flood waters recede they will eave a scene of devastation littered with debris and the bodies of flood victims. With decay and pollution of the water comes the risk of disease. Take extra precaution; burn all animal corpses - do not risk eating them and thoroughly boil all water befor eusing. Some crops may still be available after the flood waters recede and birds that have escaped the flood will be safe and good to eat.