Bravery is the capacity to perform properly even when scared half to death. ~ Omar Bradley ~
Cyclone Yasi hit Northern Queensland last night with all the expected fury that had been predicted. The whole place looks like a war zone, houses and even whole towns have been totally destroyed. Yasi has been compared to Hurricane Katrina in terms of size, wind ratings and damage - in other words massive!
The only fortunate thing that Aussies had on their side was the time to prepare. Those who suffered the wrath of Hurricane Katrina had little warning or time to prepare. Queensland had two days and boy did the Queensland people get their act together. Disaster plans were established, entire hospitals were evacuated and patients relocated. Extra flights were put on to enable people to get out of the danger zone. Tens of thousands of people were evacuated to evacuation centres.
The Queensland Premier Anna Bligh stepped up to the helm following the Queensland floods and she's done it again for this cyclone. I know she has an amazing team working with her, but what they accomplished is unbelievable, there was absolutely no loss of life due to the military precision like planning and the fact that they provided readily available and continuous communication to enable people to prepare themselves. Awesome effort!!!!
This is the biggest cyclone in Australian history and the devastation is beyond comprehension. The truth is that buildings can be rebuilt and towns can be restored to their former glory but no one can restore life. I am glad beyond belief that no more Queenslanders had to suffer the loss of loved ones because of Mother Nature's fury - too many lives were lost in the floods only weeks ago.
Cheers for now,
I am beyond words -- the devestation is horrendous -- yet as you say, the spirit of people has not, will not be broken.
ReplyDeleteYou and your countrymen are amazing!
Blessings,
Louise