On Friday I posted about the imminent floods along the eastern coast of Australia, caused by torrential rain from two dangerous weather events converging.

I was afraid for the people who had been hit very hard by the “once in a hundred years” floods only two years ago, as I knew, from being in the Disaster Recovery Team, what suffering they had experienced.

Our team gave assistance six days a week for almost four months. I went usually at least twice a week and heard many moving stories. These hard-working and resilient people are not to be condemned for living in a flood plain. They are not stupid or reckless. The zoning was changed to encourage development, but contours of the land were also changed to allow for easy building projects, making natural water courses flat – and more flood-prone. The people are now trapped as they can neither sell nor buy, to move out of the area. That’s why compassion is needed.

My team was activated on Friday afternoon, and I immediately volunteered. However, I was not rostered on till tomorrow (Monday).

On Friday evening the torrential rain was so loud that I could not get to sleep – the sound of it literally gave me a headache. Finally, I drifted into a light sleep, only to awaken shortly after that by the unmistakeable sound of gale force winds.

I prayed. “Lord, you control the weather. Can you please stop this dangerous weather?” I fell asleep again. When I woke on Saturday morning, there was no sound. It was eerily quiet. I looked out – to fog! Here, a morning fog precedes a sunny day! Yet torrential rain and gale force winds had been predicted to continue through the weekend ….

I could not believe it. Within an hour or so, the fog had lifted; the sun was shining, the weather was calm, and the sky was a deep blue. A perfect day. I took Sunny out for walks and photographed sparkling scenery everywhere.

I am not in a flood-prone area, and our suburb is quite high. Our home is at the highest part, so we are never in danger. Town planners originally designed this residential area so that heavy rainfall would flow in a series of graduated “steps” to the lower parts, which had been made into parks, sports fields, and playgrounds. These would become temporary lakes, and slowly the run-off would flow into stormwater drains, or evaporate. We have a few extra lakes now, which within a week or so will be very lush green parks and playing fields again. We also have several permanent very large man-made lakes within parks not too far away, so there is always an abundance of waterfowl and other birds. I am always very thankful for our location.

If only the council for that other area had had similar wisdom and foresight in years gone by!

It remained sunny yesterday, and today has been similar. The strange weather change has been discussed with amazement, and delight, everywhere. And with thanks.

Am I still required to work with Disaster Recovery? Yes, the Evacuation Centre will remain open until the low-lying bridges still presently under water are re-opened, including the newer “flood-proof” bridge.

That flood plain area only had what is termed “moderate flooding” this time, whereas in 2020, the terminology was “major”, “extreme”, “disastrous”, and “once in a lifetime”, with catastrophic loss of life. This time only six homes have been destroyed, and another twenty have severe damage, through ceiling collapses and similar. There have been a couple of deaths when cars have been swept away by fast-moving water over roads.

It is always the most vulnerable people who are worst affected, particularly those who live in low-cost rentals. I heard of one homeless lady, living in a tent, with her dog. Who knows how hard her life has been, what sorrows she has faced?

The sun is shining, so the cleaning up work is already beginning where possible, without delay. People have not suffered from the prolonged emotional fall-out as was experienced last time, with four massive floods in rapid succession. Fewer people need temporary emergency accommodation, so although the area is still flooded, spirits are high.

So, the work this time will be of shorter duration, and much less intense. Previously there were thousands who had never had a previous problem with flooding previously – these people have not been affected this time, or minimally. How thankful I am that it was just “moderate” flooding!

A controlled release of water from the dam into one of the major rivers is still planned for tomorrow, which may worsen the situation for some. Better planning would have been to release some during the hot dry weather – but the people in control remain nervous of prolonged drought conditions, as we had a few years previously when the dam was at critical point for supplying the water needs of a major city. The dam is more than four times the size of greater Sydney Harbour, which itself contains 500 gigalitres and covers an area of 55 square kilometres (21 square miles). It is a fine balance to cater for all climate and weather situations in this land of extremes.

I am very thankful to God, the One who ultimately has all power and authority to calm the storms, including our personal ones. Many people, including many here on FanStory, were praying for our situation, and we in Australia are giving thanks for your prayers, and for His response. Please keep praying. It is not over yet, but we are greatly encouraged, and very thankful.