27 and 28 January 2013 - The lucky ones

We were all expecting some rain after the hot, dry spell we have experienced over the last few weeks, looking forward to it even. We weren't looking forward to what actually happened.

Two years ago around the same time devastating flood's covered much of Queensland when the unavoidable release of water from Wivenhoe dam coupled with weeks of tropical rain. We spent several days' holed up at our in laws when we lost power to our house. We were lucky that was all we lost. So many others had their homes, possessions and livelihoods taken from them. And for some, after the relentless rain pounding down for day after day, it looked like this could happen again.

This is my story:

On Sunday I drove into work not too concerned by the weather or it's impact on our own country home. My husband had called earlier after he'd arrived at his work (as a guard at a nearby prison) concerned that the road's he had come in on would be closed by the end of the day. We'd laughed off the result of that 'at least you'll have a bed to sleep on!' hoping for the best.

I was sent home from work at 5.30pm when a manager realized where I lived and expressed genuine fears I would not make it to my home. As I walked out to the car the reality of the situation hit. I was soaked by the rain before I reached the driver's seat and read emails from my husband which detailed the events of his day. Staff were being briefed on staying there for the long haul, expected to spend up to two days trapped within the prison's walls.

Real fear gripped my heart as I headed home. Especially for the animals I'd left behind that morning. If the dogs weren't at home I would not have even attempted the drive. Traffic lights were not functioning at major intersections. Water spilled across the road at many points and with each gully or creek I passed that threatened to breach it's banks my level of worry increased.

I reached the house safely to two wet dogs jumping for joy at my return. I made sure our cat was inside and safe for the night and gave the dogs a generous feed. But by the time I'd tended to their needs I saw the storm water drainage out the front of our driveway had overflowed. Water was rising at a steady level and filled my gumboots when I pushed open our gate. Once my car had cleared the crossing I took one last look at our home and the waters now gushing across the length of our driveway. Then I drove off with only our dog Zara in the boot looking back.

My husband had joined a convy of four wheel drives braving the drive away from the prison in hopes of uniting with their families. He made it to his parents house where we reunited and felt safe in the comfort of their hospitality. Fed, dry and with each others company we knew that even if the worst case scenario occurred we were going to be okay.

Usually the sound of rain accompanies a sound sleep but not this night, I tossed and turned until the morning when we decided to attempt the gruelling drive home. The presence of several "road closed" signs and a major bridge going under did not deter us and we found a dry enough way to our driveway, which was no longer covered with water.

We moved storm-water debris from the drainage and the front of our lawn and surveyed the damage. Next to none. We were some of the lucky ones.

I want to dedicate this entry to those who have been affected by flood in Queensland over the last few days.  And especially to residents in our neighbouring region - The Lockyer Valley, who were still recovering from the impact of the last floods, and who are grieving over those losses once again today. As a community we stand behind you. Recovery can begin now, once again.

Today's flooding in Laidley (part of the Lockyer Valley)