Disbelief and dread consumed the residents of Heaton Road in Rocklea on the morning of Monday February 28, as floodwaters swallowed their houses for the second time in 11 years.
After we arrived for At this time Present protection at 3.30am, the Brisbane River was approaching its peak and the households who selected to remain, quite than search increased floor, had been maintaining an anxious eye on the murky risk beneath them.
An prolonged household huddled inside one dwelling with a one-year-old and a one-month-old child.
Their neighbour, Ron, had spent the evening in a van. There was no refuge to be present in his single storey dwelling.
He was pacing the dry finish of the road, assessing the injury properly earlier than daybreak.
Across the nook, because the solar rose, we discovered Doug. He paddled in direction of us on a kayak after surveying his dwelling in a good decrease a part of this suburb.
As he reached us he burst into tears.
"It is all gone," he stated.
Most of the residents on this neighbourhood had been via this earlier than. However, nonetheless, they weren't ready to dwell via it once more.
The devastating floods of 2011 had been alleged to be a one-in-100-year-event (no matter which means). However now these households discover themselves trapped in a dreadful cycle of loss and despair.
Bookshelves, chairs, toys and household reminiscences are piled up on footpaths destined for the tip. The terrible scent of mud hangs over them. They're beginning yet again, once more.
13 folks have died in floods in Queensland, and 7 have died in New South Wales.
1000's of houses have been deemed uninhabitable after the floods.
If you wish to donate forward of the telethon, you may contribute to Purple Cross' present flood attraction at redcross.org.au/floodsappeal or by calling 1800 733 276.
Australia Unites: Purple Cross Flood Attraction will air dwell tonight at 7.30pm AEDT on Channel 9 and 9Now, Channel 7 and 7Plus and Channel 10 and 10 Play.