Flooding in Queensland

11 January 2011

It has been heart-wrenching to watch the hourly reports of devastating floods in the States of Queensland and New South Wales, in the northeast of the Country. American readers may not realize that the affected area is larger than Texas, and already these floods have taken at least 19 lives, destroyed hundreds of homes, and displaced hundreds of thousands of people.

Many of us have family, friends, colleagues, and counterparts living in this region, and each day presents special challenges. Yesterday, we worked with a group of Americans trapped by rising waters in the town of Gympie, who were helicoptered out to safety. But we know that when the waters finally subside, an even greater task lies ahead. Secretary Clinton, Consul General Niels Marquardt, and I have pledged our Mission’s support to the Prime Minister and to Queensland Premier Anna Bligh. Among other things, our Embassy personnel are donating to the Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal, volunteering to help affected communities clean up, and connecting with American businesses that are interested in donating food, clothing, furniture, or expertise to those in need.

Not only do our hearts go out to the people of this region, but our muscle, our resources, and our commitment go out to help them as well. If you would like to support the flood relief, you can go to the Queensland government website.