Dubai: Victims of the Australian floods have been uploading photos of the deluge on Facebook, in an attempt to keep others up to date as quickly as possible.
Information about which areas are flooded and how badly has been uploaded via status updates and posts, as well as instant photo uploads.
The host of community pages has proved the quickest way for residents to share information: Queensland Police has been utilizing its own social networking page by providing maps of flooded areas, after its main site was inundated by worried Australians trying to keep track of evacuations and emergency information.
The wall on Facebook page ‘Brisbane Area Flood Photos & Info’ is not only scattered with images of the incessant water, but offers of help.
David Fanning posted “Brand New Four Man Tent here if anyone needs to camp in the aftermath. Message me.”
Facebook user Janine Mathis offered to take care of flooded residents’ horses during the crisis: “Can everyone post this message. I have available Yards Stables for people not knowing where to take there [sic] horses. I have enough room to take 15 to 20… if anyone needs emergency accommodation for their horses.”
Others ask for information, and appeal for help.
Others simply want to help their friends who are stuck and avoid becoming stuck themselves.
Messages of hope have also been pouring in from all over the world, from the other side of the world.
“We are thinking of you and hoping for the best. From Canada,” Monica Lewis posted; “All hearts go with you, Brisbane. Love from Singapore,” Alice Goh wrote, and site user Lynne Crawford posted: “My heart really goes out to all the people in queensland and Brisbane I have a friend in brisbane who has been keeping us in the UK updated, i pray that you all get through this safely God Bless x”
On a similar page, ‘Toowoomba and Darling Downs Flood Info & Photos’, hundreds are sharing advice, food, goods for those affected and help in locating those out of contact.
“Id like to thank those of you that tried to help me locate members of one of my friends family. they have been located staying with friends safe and well. so thankyou all for trying to help me!! xxoo
“I hope everyone else that are missing can be found soon safe and well also. my heart goes out to everyone in this time of... need. Xxoo” Facebook user J-Dee Bro posted.
Emergency responses such as the ‘Open beds’ scheme have also been posted on Facebook community page walls. People unaffected by the floods with beds to spare can upload their details and offer temporary homes to those whose lives have simply been washed away.
Scott and Diana Wilks posted a message of hope: “We are one, but we are many, I am, you are, we are, Australian.”
Info
Those wanting to enquire about the safety of friends and family can log on to the Australian Red Cross emergency website: https://emergency.redcross.org.au/
Donations are being accepted via the official Queensland Government site: www.qld.gov.au/floods
