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Australia:
Queenslanders have been stunned witnesses to the devastation that recent floods, ‘the worst natural disaster in our history,’ have wrought. Over three quarters of the State has been declared ‘a disaster zone,’ so much so that Premiere Anna Bligh has indicated that a ‘reconstruction task, of post-war proportions’ is envisaged.
Extraordinarily heavy rainfall began to isolate remote Queensland communities prior to Christmas and continued to cause problems throughout the State. Significant flooding has occurred in the Capital city of Brisbane. Floods have impacted regions as far North as Rockhampton, as far West as Jericho and Charleville and as far South as Goondiwindi. At the end of December damage bills were estimated at $1 billion rising to multi-billions by mid January. National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRAA) have been activated, Defence Forces are heading up a Flood Recovery Taskforce and many major charities are rallying volunteers as well as financial supporters for the huge task of rebuilding once waters subside.   Many of our emergency staff and volunteers are already exhausted and Premier Anna Bligh called upon Queenslanders to ready themselves for all that is ahead. "This is a marathon, not a sprint and where we can, we need to relieve our dedicated staff and volunteers." She said. Social Networkers have provided vital communication, adding to the effectiveness of news coverage and support: SMS messages helped trucks laden with rescued crops navigate their ways through affected regions; Facebook members have offered accommodation and furniture; Mobile phones have provided valuable images and news leads – it is exciting to see new technologies utilised to help those in need.
World Outreach International Australia has launched an appeal to provide funds for churches and other ministries to hand out. If people would like to donate please Click Here on the Queensland Flood appeal. The Australian Director of World Outreach International, Grahame Orpin and Australian Chairman, Paul Misipeka will be taking a team of volunteers to deliver donated furniture and to also help with the Brisbane clean up.
Please pray for Queensland.  | |||||||||||||
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