Monday, 10th January 2011. A day Toowoomba will never forget. On this day, my children and husband were at my sister’s house while I supervised the removal of the contents of our house into a truck to prepare for our move from Toowoomba to Brisbane. Little did I know, by day’s end, the house my husband and children were at, would be flooded and I seperated from them, the contents of our house would be stuck somewhere (probably wet), my car would be almost swept from the road, I would be hampered by a landslide and isolated on the mountain. Furthermore, my sister’s home would sustain terrible damage, another sister would lose at least half a herd of cattle in Esk, another sister — would be safe — but isolated by and island of water in Fernvale and my Dad and his wife’s property, also in Fernvale, would be covered in water. We are one family affected by the Queensland floods and there are so many worse off.
Right now I’m in limbo. I’m helping my sister clean up the mess, I have no idea of the state of the contents of our house, we are living out of suitcases and I don’t know when we can get off the mountain — but we are safe. There are so many Queenslanders in desperate circumstances and I feel for them. A terrible, terrible thing.
It’s interesting, the day of the disaster, I was whinging to @tinagraydotme and @leechbabe on twitter about detesting “stuff”, especially when moving house. And now, so many Queenslanders have lost everything. Some people have lost their lives. Stuff is just stuff. It’s nothing. My heart aches for those who have lost a loved one. A life. Irreplaceable.
I want to say thank you for your concern, and to those of you who were worried for me and my family. I can assure you we are safe and well. Stranded but safe.
This video, just 5 minutes from our house in Toowoomba, shows how furious the water was and how fast it came up. This freak of nature is being aptly called an inland tsunami.
My husband recorded this video in the early stages of the flooding at my sister’s home.
Outside my sister’s home in the Lockyer Valley at Fernvale.
My Dad’s property is under water in this valley in Fernvale.
Debri on my sister’s stock yards at Esk.
My sister’s backyard in Toowoomba.
When I was trying to get back to my family, my phone was out of battery and I was afraid. I knew my husband would be worried and trying to ring me, to see if I was safe. My phone had been out of battery for 4 hours. I stared at the phone and I prayed: please God, just one phone call. I pressed the power button it turned on. I desperately willed my phone to hold for a few minutes — just somehow. With shaking hands I typed in the phone number as quickly as I could and was devastated when I heard the engaged signal. I prayed and tried again. I was relieved to hear my sister’s panicked voice. I assured her I was okay and was comforted to hear my husband’s voice — for a moment — then the phone battery failed. After being stuck on the road for 3 hours, I joined my family in a motel — safe. A family hug never felt so good.
We are together. Queenslanders.
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Toowoomba swamped by deadly ‘inland tsunami’
47 Comments
CraftyMummy
January 12, 2011 at 4:58 pmGlad you guys are safe! Praying that you and all your family stay safe (and that of your stuff is ok too)
Pacey Beacham
June 9, 2016 at 2:31 pmAbsolutely
Robyn
January 12, 2011 at 5:05 pmTerrifying Kelly, I am so thankful you guys are ok. Its heartbreaking to see the news at the moment. Praying for everybody affected by this…
Marita
January 12, 2011 at 5:11 pmStuff is never as important as family. Im glad you and yours are safe.
Rebecca
January 12, 2011 at 5:12 pmSoo so so so so glad that you guys are safe and well! When I saw a pic of your street I was lost for words and sick with worry!
I’m sorry that you’ve all lost things in the floods, but you’ll regain them over time *hugs* Take care, I know the worst is apparently over, but the sickness that comes from the clean up is just as saddening!
xx
Kathryn Rodda
January 12, 2011 at 5:12 pmPraise God you are all okay! When it hit Toowoomba like that on Monday, it really hit home to me, since I know those places so well. Yesterday our suburb got evacuated and bridges went under that have never been under before. And watching the city go under is just surreal! But you are safe, and sadly, so many people are lost and others are grieving and worrying. Many prayers are still needed, but glad you are all safe.
Meegan
January 12, 2011 at 5:14 pmI am so happy to hear you are all safe and well and OK… As OK as you all can be at the moment. Stay safe and be careful.. And if you need anything, just let me know… xoxoxo
Katherine
January 12, 2011 at 5:16 pmKelly, please let me know what i can do for you guys. Is there an address i can send supplies to for you? Anything.
We are all praying for you guys, and everyone else effected.
Much, much love,
K x
BookChook
January 12, 2011 at 5:18 pmJust reading your story brought tears to my eyes. I’m heartened by the stories of support and the determination of people to help each other and survive this monumental catastrophe.
So very glad you and Matt and the kids are safe!
katepickle
January 12, 2011 at 5:18 pmSo scary to have been through all of that and so devastating to loose so much and stll face such uncertainty…. but I am so glad you are safe. Thinking of you and your family and everyone else who has been devastated by this disaster.
trial studies
August 8, 2014 at 8:12 pmIt’s like you’re on a mission to save me time and money!
Tweets that mention Queensland Floods: One Family’s Story | Be A Fun Mum -- Topsy.com
January 12, 2011 at 5:20 pm[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Marita, roamingmumal, Be A Fun Mum and others. Be A Fun Mum said: Queenland Floods: One Family's Story http://beafunmum.com/2011/01/queensland-floods-toowoomba-one-familys-story/ #qldfloods #toowoombaflood […]
Cyndi
January 12, 2011 at 5:22 pmAs they say here in NZ – Kia Kaha – Be Strong.
Thinking of you and all others in the area.
So glad you and your family are safe.
Cyndi
corrie
January 12, 2011 at 5:27 pmoh my God, you are just living it! I can’t imagine what you are going through but thank goodness you have your family safe. But I can’t imagine being separated from them. I wish this hadn’t happened to you and your family and wish you strength to rebuild and get on with your lives again
big hugs, we’re all thinking of you
corrie:)
Wendy
January 12, 2011 at 5:33 pmYou poor things, I thought that you had moved already!
When I was worried about Mum and you left a lovely message I never thought that you were going through the same thing. Im so sorry I didn’t ask about you and your family.
My thoughts and love are with you
Wxx
Lauren
January 12, 2011 at 5:34 pmThank you for sharing your scary story. I’m so glad you and yours are safe.
I have a lot of family in the Chinchilla/Dalby/Toowoomba area, and have followed the story closely.
I hope the media and general public doesn’t forget the other affected areas in the wake of Brisbane’s flooding.
Thinking of you and your family x
tanya soutar
January 12, 2011 at 5:35 pmDear Kelly – what a terrible thing to happen, I am glad to read your post and hear that you and your family are safe. What an experience, thankyou for sharing your story.
Heartbreak is all around, we can only support each other.
Natalie
January 12, 2011 at 5:52 pmI think the whole country is in a state of shock and are devastated this has occurred. Please know, average Australians around the Country are rallying to help where we can and hope and pray you all may pull through with fierce determination coupled with the love and support from family and friends.
Katie
January 12, 2011 at 5:52 pmSo very glad you and and yours are safe, having watched many near and dear affected on black Saturday I feel the pain of Queensland. Take care, be safe and know Australia is behind you all xxx
Jade
January 12, 2011 at 5:52 pmLove you so much Kell. Have been praying for you all. So glad you are all safe. xoxo
Trish
January 12, 2011 at 6:06 pmHI Kelly
So very happy for your family that it had a happy outcome – sure there are losses along the way but no human loses that is the best thing to hear…
What a drama for u all though and thank goodness u werent caught in that Toowoomba inland Tsunami. My uncle lives in Herries st and i was soooo worried he might have been caught up in it and because of miscommunication he wasnt were he was supposed to be in two instances and they both involved the disasters one in the street where that tsunami happened then he was supposed to drive a family member home to highfields and luckily he missed the land slides there too.
I am always so grateful for u and your sisters u have each other for support and u are always there when u need each other. Glad u didnt have to face all this alone.
Hope your house isnt too bad when u go back to check on it and also hope your new move goes well for u and your family…Hugs Trish
Fiona@ oh gorgeous baby
January 12, 2011 at 6:18 pmI’m so glad to hear you are okay. Like you said things can be replaced people can’t. My brother will probably have his house swallowed up by water today but as long as he and his girlfriend are safe that’s all that matters. I hope all of this craziness ends soon. Take Care xx
Ash
January 12, 2011 at 6:32 pmI’m so very glad you are safe. I thought you had moved already. Lots of love and prayers to you and all your family xxx
Nicole Grant
January 12, 2011 at 6:52 pmThinking of you at this difficult time Kelly. I have many friends in Toowoomba, Brisbane, and surrounding areas and am devastated by what I am witnessing. Stay safe.
Nic.
Michelle Dennis Evans
January 12, 2011 at 9:15 pmIt was terrifying to watch so it would have been a nightmare to live through.
So glad you are safe PTL xox
Renee
January 12, 2011 at 9:30 pmThanks for sharing Kelly, we were worried about you and so sorry to hear about what you & your family have been through but so glad you are safe. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Erin
January 12, 2011 at 9:39 pmKelly, I’m so glad you’re safe; I have been thinking of you and wondering how you went with the move. You’re right, stuff is just stuff. You are so lucky to be with your family.
joyce:waddleeahchaa.com
January 12, 2011 at 10:49 pmI just came across your post. I will be praying for you and your loved ones. Even though we are in far off Texas my heart reaches out to you. In our small community we are in the middle of two rivers and in my life time we have had four huge floods. Mostly the water rises and then receeds in a 24 hour period. The damage is always great but in your case the water has stayed for days. Again my thoughts and prayers are with you. 🙂 joyce PS, Yes, stuff is just stuff glad your family is safe.
dramaqueensmum
January 13, 2011 at 6:34 amI’m so glad that you are all okay. We’ve seen it on our news in the US too.
Trish @ my little drummers
January 13, 2011 at 7:19 amwow I am in tears »-(¯`?´¯)-» My heart goes out to your family.You have been so terribly affected by the devastating floods in QLD. Thoughts & Prayers are with you ALL.
I saw a few of those tweets , you could not have known the events that were to unfold (hugs).
Alissa
January 13, 2011 at 11:25 amSo glad to hear you and our family are safe. PLEASE speak up if I can help you or your family in any way. Whilst we are high and dry here it is definately affecting our hearts.
katie b
January 13, 2011 at 12:41 pmbroke my heart reading your story kelly, glad to hear you are al safe now, keeping you in my thoughts and prayers xx
www.eschatologyjournal.org
February 18, 2014 at 10:06 pmI will be putting this dazzling insight to good use in no time.
Christine Bunn
January 13, 2011 at 7:47 pmKelly so glad to hear you are ok. We have had our own terrible stories my family are safe at this stage. My Mum, Dad, grandparents and uncles and aunties live in Grantham, Helidon and Gatton. Gavin’s Mum has lost her home, she lived in Ispwich and Gavin’s work is totally flooded and our investment property is in Fernvale we aren’t sure if it is flooded as we can’t get a hold of anyone. Louise my sister is in Goondiwindi and has just been evacuated. We have been housing 5 people at our place and expect to be very busy in the next couple of days. We praise God for our safety and our families safety and pray for all the families affected in this disaster. Keep safe Kelly and our prayers go out to your family. xo
Joyce Salisbury
January 14, 2011 at 7:34 amI am so glad you made it through safely. Good luck with the move- hope its not to a flood prone suburb!
I am in Bris, and was evacuated from work ( at Milton between the river and suncorp stadium) but thankfully made it home to be with my kids.
shelly
January 14, 2011 at 8:18 amKelly,
I have been thinking about you and your family during this tradegy. You have been in my prayers. Shelly
Katrina
January 14, 2011 at 9:07 amKelly I have been thinking about you, unsure where you lived, but knew you were on the move. How terrifying that must of been for you all. I hope the kids are OK and not still frightened. My thoughts are with you and your family. Please let me know if I can do anything to help, or if I can send any clothes, toiletries, blankets, sheets to you xx
Veggie Mama
January 14, 2011 at 9:11 pmSo glad you’re safe… the footage always looked so terrible. I hope you and your family get sorted out soon x
Mommie Kate
January 15, 2011 at 3:20 pmI’m so glad your family is safe!
Melinda
January 18, 2011 at 7:36 amThankful you’re all safe, despite the damage. So many of our close friends up there had some very close calls. Best wishes on trying to get your life started in Brisbane amongst the flood recovery there also.
Struggling | Be A Fun Mum
January 21, 2011 at 9:17 am[…] Queensland Floods: One Family’s Story […]
Caroline
January 21, 2011 at 6:49 pmHi there Kelly,
I haven’t posted on your site before but have read heaps of your posts of the last couple of months. You are very inspirational to all mums out there and have helped new mums like me in heaps of ways with your stories and tips on being a fun mum, keeping this time truely special and not to get bogged down with the mundane stresses of this new role.
Through all the terrible things that are going on right now, it is amazing to see you are still keeping blogging and letting us know on line how you are going.
Wow.
I know I am not the only person on line that would like to help you in any ways possible. I am a mum too with a little 16 month old boy and our area in Brisbane was unaffected. My heart goes out to everyone who was.
Let us know on line here specific ways people can help or things you need right now. Even if it is to ‘vent’ . You have certainly given us plenty with your site.
Hoping to help xx
Oranges and Bananas
June 22, 2011 at 1:43 pm[…] flesh of a just ripe banana. Earlier this year, masses of banana crops were wiped out due to the Queensland Floods. As a result, the price […]
Neen
December 13, 2011 at 11:39 amWOW just read this Kelly (linked from newsletter) – how scary for you! Yes you certainly have had a rollercoaster year!
On to 2012! What will it bring I wonder?
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January 31, 2012 at 2:08 pm[…] the most disorganised year of our family life. My entire year was thrown when I was caught in the Queensland Floods while trying to move from one flooded place to another. I had to rush the kids into school and […]
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March 28, 2013 at 12:26 pm[…] http://beafunmum.com/2011/01/queensland-floods-toowoomba-one-familys-story/ […]