The floods in Queensland in 2010 were some of the worst natural flooding epidemics the Australians had ever seen. Many of the residents had experienced the 1974 Brisbane floods, but the areas that were hit hardest, primarily Ipswich and the Lockyer Valley, were not only unprepared for such flooding, but had little to no warning of the oncoming destruction. The devastation that ripped through the town, called a "wall of water" by those who experienced it, left homes, families, cars and lives torn to shreds. Some families lost cars, some lost pets. Others lost lives. Brisbane families were prepared for the worst but hoped for the best as they piled sandbags, yet watched restaurants and homes floating down the river. The relief centres were over crowded and those seeking aid were exercising all available options, from staying with neighbours to climbing on roofs to clinging to trees. Many were rescued alive, yet many were lost. Stores lost thousands of dollars of inventory and many that survived were left without power or water, or unable to reach their homes at all for several days. Even more people stranded in their homes had to fend off ill-hearted opportunists. Others were able to reach and check on loved ones, and there were many emotional embraces. Within days, however, of the flood waters receding, hundreds of volunteer workers, deemed the "mud army" drove, bussed and took trains to help shovel and clean up mud around homes and streets. Without them, efforts may have taken many more weeks.
The Queensland Government, along with may independent businesses, have banded together to aid the victims of the floods. But much more is still needed in these devastated areas. There are homes that still need rebuilding, there are lives that are still lying in the rubble waiting to be pieced back together. For many, this tragedy will continue to play a major role in their lives for years to come. Funerals, rebuilding, and replacing lost items all add on to the heartache. The band Special Project has been formed to aid in relief efforts such as these, giving local support to local Australians. "The Rain Came Down", the first single of the band was broadcast on 98.9 The Best Country in Australia, and is available for download at www.floodsinqueensland.com One hundred percent of the proceeds from the download of the song go directly to flood victims.
