Chloe Nair
Background information:
In 2010 – 2011 Queensland, Brisbane experienced one of the most devastating floods to ever hit Australia. Over two hundred thousand people were affected by the abundant amount of water and thirty-five lives were unfortunately lost. With over seventy-nine suburbs destroyed, this flood was ranked Australia’s second worst flood.
Flood Cause:
This tragic flood was caused by an unusual weather pattern, La Niña. La Nina is a weather pattern that manipulates the Pacific Ocean and the equator to cause a downpour of rain to areas. During La Niña, the flood was worsened by the Wivenhoe Dam releasing water. Hydrologic reports released by …show more content…
In some flood zones, the water rose slowly, allowing much of the wildlife to leave before immediate damage was taken. However, most of the flood zones were rapidly flooded and many animals that had burrowed underground were not able to escape. The remaining of these species now experience food and habitat issues as most environments had been affected by the flood waters. This is a long-term impact that could endanger most species.
Although most of the floods impacts were negative, there were still positive ones. An example of a positive impact was the amount of streams and estuaries improving their water conditions. This also allowed waterbirds to breed across the state.
How the floods affected communities:
Different people in the community had been affected differently. Some citizens were angered whilst others grieved the loss of loved ones. A pensioner named Frank Beaumont gives his thoughts “"I am really angry because I worked all my life to finish up with absolutely nothing," he said. The 73-year-old, five years later, was still repairing his house when him and his wife decided to move away from the tragedy of the