Weather residue

It's been balmy summer days in Brisbane with many days of picture postcard vibrant blue skies and pretty white fluffy clouds. Yesterday morning in a passing light shower a rainbow appeared in the valley, it seemed so close, arching a full prism of colour. It's been almost possible to forget recent weather events that rocked Brisbane....but only until I visit the suburbs directly affected.

On a recent trip to Milton, the ongoing effects of flooding were clear. From white chalky residue staining side walks where watterlogged plaster board had been piled for discarding, to the mud encrusted garden beds. Streets filled with tradesman's vehicles and the pumping sound of surface cleaning equipment, life is far from back to normal.

These visual signs indicate more obvious impacts, but there are also the harder to see psychological effects. In conversation with an acquaintance this week I realised how much things have changed for some. Her business had been completely submerged, after being told water from the Brisbane River wouldn't reach more than an inch in the building. So the flooding had been devastating. Offices are well under re-constuction and alternative arrangements have been made, in the circumstances it appears a very positive response.

What really caught my attention was discussion about forecast rain for this week in Brisbane and the fear of more flooding. I thought it's not possible, only showers have been forecast and it would take an enormous amount of water to create the circumstances again that arose in January. My acquaintance replied, yes you are right, it's just all those scaremongerers that seem to know I am one of those affected by the last floods. Feelings of vulnerability and fear will be with many of those affected for a long time I imagine. January's flooding will be a life long weather memory that many will never forget.