It has been 4 weeks since we were last being forced to evacuate our house as the flood water reached our neighbourhood. We have not managed to move back in since. We are now refugees (although living in very acceptable level of comfort, but technically, still a refugee) in the city. The 2-bedroom (but what’s worse was - one bathroom!) little apartment in the city has been our home for the last 3 weeks. It’s actually quite convenient for me since my office is just a stone throw away (literally!) but pity the kids (even worse for the Mom who’s their official chauffer) who have to go a long way to school every day. When we first checked in we had a car-load of stuffs but by now, I can’t remember how many trips back to the house that we have done to bring more stuffs in. By the time we have to move out I bet we need a moving truck!
In the mean time, our house is being rebuilt.
It has been a roller-coaster ride of emotions:
The sadness – of having to leave the house. What we saw in our street that morning reminded me of the scene in “2012” where everyone was rushing to get away and save themselves. We bid farewell to the neighbours not knowing what the fate of us all is. We watched helplessly as one by one of the neighbours’ cars left their home, heading to a safe place.
The anxiety – of waiting for three days not knowing what is happening to our house. We were all glued in front of the TV watching the flood updates around the clock, fearing that the worse could happen to our house but at the same time praying for the best to everyone affected.
The pride – of seeing Premier Bligh stood up to address the nation. Her words were full of courage and strength and truly inspirational. "As we weep for what we have lost, and as we grieve for family and friends and we confront the challenge that is before us, I want us to remember who we are… We are Queenslanders. We're the people that they breed tough, north of the border…. We're the ones that they knock down, and we get up again." She is a true leader.
More sadness – when we came back 3 days after to see the house all covered in mud and the damage the water has done to some of our precious belongings. Even more sadness when we saw what happened to other people in the worse affected areas. Pure devastation.The rest of the pictures in my Facebook Album: Brisbane flood - the aftermath
The hurt – by the lack of sensitivities from some of the people back home. “The flood” could just be one of the news features for them but for us living in it – it has caused a major disruption and disappointment and loss in our lives. The lack of interest in asking how we were doing is one thing but joking about it is another thing altogether. But then again, I’m sure it is nothing to you until it really happens to you and your family.
The thankfulness – of having friends who were so kind to lend a hand in this time of need. To Ariff and Wina who provided us (and two other families and two bachelors) shelter for 4 days and three nights and putting up with our crying and screaming children. And to all the friends from the office who came and help clean up our house the day after the water receded.
The relief – at how quick we managed to get back on our feet. Thanks to Russel our super-efficient and kind landlord who really took care of everything. He had the “tradies” all lined up ready to rebuild our house even before we finished the cleaning up!
But sadly followed by,
The annoyance - with Suncorp Insurance for making it so difficult in settling this whole thing. Despite our landlord having made all the arrangements Suncorp managed to slow everything down to a standstill with all their stupid bureaucracies and complete absence of compassion on people’s needs in situations like this. Suncorp – you have lost my business!
The loath – when seeing some clueless politicians from back home trying to capitalize the situation for their own popularity drive. Sick.
The suffocation – of staying in this little apartment. We just want to go home…
The eagerness – to move back home as soon as we can and pick up where we left. I’m not so eager thinking of the cleaning up and rearranging of the house content again though… here comes my back pain again….
All in all, it has been quite an experience. I wouldn’t say that it is all bad as it did in a way bring out the best in us in one way or another. We all had fun staying together like one big family during the flood. The race against time to finish perishable foodstuffs brought out the best in our culinary skills and not to mention; a few inches to our waistlines. We were anxious and feeling helpless but it never kills our spirits and especially our sense of humour. On the streets; the devastation left behind by the flood brought out the best in people. I have never seen such a massive response to call for volunteers. As Premier Bligh said; they knocked us down, but we got ourselves up again…!
Only few days ago Queensland had to face another calamity; Cyclone Yasi. Another heartbreaking experience for us all again. At the same time, we can't stop worrying about our friends and their families in Egypt who are facing one of the biggest civil unrest in their history.
This is just a series of tests to all humankind… This morning, as we watched on TV a documentary entitled "Flood Brisbane 2011", all the feelings came back. Indeed, this is something that will be remembered well by all Queenslanders...
I wonder if anyone would ask; what's the significance of this picture?
