WHAT ON EARTH HAS THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE DONE!!!!!!

[Myra Thomas-Rhodes]

These last few weeks have been so very difficult for so many people, what with the terrible floods in Queensland, which continued south, in to other states of Australia.Even Tasmania had flooding. Then the incredible cyclone, which annhilated towns like Tully, just adding to Queensland's misery. On the Western side of the country, Carnarvon has twice flooded, and cyclones have damaged places like Karratha. Freak weather and storms tore through two towns just 40 minutes from Perth, tearing roofs from about 32 homes, and causing huge dust storms. The fires continue in the hills, with 1200 hectares burned out in one major fire, and unbelievably 72 homes destroyed in another. MIraculously no lives lost. One kennel property completely destroyed, but fortunately the dogs were all saved.

And now our dear New Zealand friends are suffering with the devastating earthquake. Since September last year, when they experienced the first big jolt, they have endured 5000 after-shocks, ending with yesterday's intensity.

So...to all ES members, throughout these compromised areas, just letting you know we are all thinking of you, and sending our very best wishes. Stay safe.

   

[John B. Hughes/Absinthe]

I heard it said once that a great poet or song writer expresses our deepest silences.  Even though an ocean divides us and I am neither poet or song writer, I want you guys to know that  we here in the US hear yours and think of you and care. Friends everywhere are praying for your well being and recovery.        

 

[Susan Stone]

Thinking of you and all those affected by the earthquake and flooding.

[Carmel Stringfellow]

Thinking of you all in NZ. Stay safe!!

[Catherine Carter]

We are thinking of you......could the ES members in New Zealand let us know that they are OK, please?

[Cornelia]

Hi Myra, we are thinking of you and the people on the other side of the globe - let's hope the volunteers still manage to safe many from the rubble of the earthquake and that the people have the sthrengh to rebuild their homes, destroyed by the flood, fire and earthquake. 

 

Here are some sites, that might interest (some of) you:

An interactive map about the floods worldwide:

http://floodobservatory.colorado.edu/Archives/GlobalArchiveMap.html

A map of Australia with all the floods from the last decade:

http://floodobservatory.colorado.edu/hydrography/Australia.html

And of Queensland:

http://floodobservatory.colorado.edu/hydrography/E140S20.html

Those two maps are also interactive - you can click on the river that might be dangerous for your area and see it's current flow, normal or too much!!!

 

The homepage of the geophysical data center, registering earthquakes worldwide and clearly showing the shocking increase:

http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/nndc/struts/form?t=101650&s=1&d=1

[Myra Thomas-Rhodes]

I have spoken to Sharyn in Christchurch, and it sounds like everyone is alright, although obviously nerves are somewhat shattered, to say the least! No doubt some will have had some kind of damage, and know people who haven't fared well.

[Catherine Carter]

Thanks Myra for letting us know.....it must be a very traumatic event to live through......and also you don't know when the next aftershock will happen......

[Lois McCullough]

The news coming out of Aus and now NZ is just devastating we are all thinking of you and hope tranquility will return to your beautiful countries very soon.

[Dee Rance]

I think that anyone who has got any humanity, will send their thoughts to all in Aus and now to NZ....the scenes were horrific, (all we have had to put up with is some snow)....earth quakes and cyclones are horrific to watch on the TV...I think that we all feel for those caught up in these awful events...as Lois said lets hope all gets back to tranquillity down under...

[Suzanne]

Myra, a unbelievable summary of recent events, yet very much a reality for many. I send with wings from the heart, courage and strength for those who need it at this time. Be safe, strong and know you are in our thoughts.