Worst disaster on record for Queensland

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January 12, 2011
“…STATE PREMIER'S WARNING
As Queensland mounts a massive search and rescue effort, Bligh says the devastating floods will be the worst on record.

Addressing the state in a live broadcast this afternoon, Bligh - flanked by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard - said the state was facing "the worst natural disaster in our history".

Earlier, Bligh had warned people to expect a "gruesome day for rescue workers and a heartbreaking day for families" as a break in the weather allowed rescue workers to search for the missing. "I think we will all be shocked by what they will find."

She said in this afternoon's address that the state coroner and grief councillors had moved into the badly hit Lockyer Valley area to support a "major search and rescue effort".

Bligh has told the state to prepare for yet more tragedy, saying there were "grave" fears for 15 people in addition to those already confirmed dead.

PRIME MINISTER'S RESPONSE
Gillard arrived in Brisbane to inspect the devastation and said she was deeply concerned about the impact of the flood on jobs and livelihoods.

''I have been shocked. I think we've all been shocked by the images of that wall of water just wreaking such devastation. The dimensions of it are truly mind-boggling,'' Gillard said.

''We will have to work through the long-term economic impacts for Queensland, and of course the huge infrastructure re-building task to come as floodwaters subside.''

Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser said he expected the flood damage bill to be in the billions of dollars.

DRAMATIC WARNING
Bligh warned residents that homes will be completely submerged after the Brisbane River broke its banks this morning.

The banks of the Brisbane River have already broken at Yeronga and further breaks are expected today and tomorrow….”

See:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/australia/4531356/Brisbane-flood-to-be-worst-in-118-years



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