Brisbane storms: The Gap

On November 16 2008, ferocious Brisbane storms destroyed much of a heavily populated north-west suburb –The Gap. Hail ripped through homes and cars, wind gusts of up to 130 kph smashed windows, ripped off roofs and branches, and uprooted trees. At the height of the storm, almost 230,000 homes and businesses across south-east Queensland were without power, due to lightning strikes and felled power lines. Four thousand homes were damaged and 30 were completely destroyed. Floodwaters caused major disruptions to city traffic and sadly two people drowned. Authorities estimate that the clean-up bill could cost hundreds of millions of dollars – damages equivalent to a Category 2 tropical cyclone.

That day, 23,000 affected residents called the SES Hotline seeking assistance, which stretched the SES to capacity. Additional volunteers had to be called in to help with the clean up. Organising emergency response teams is crucial for effective management of local disasters. The Gap storms have highlighted that recruitment of a new generation of young and enthusiastic emergency services volunteers is vital.

 

For the Brady family, November 28th was the day they celebrated Kevin’s 60th birthday. Twenty-two family and friends gathered at their home in The Gap for a typical Aussie BBQ. Just as they were clearing the table to light candles for the cake the storm unleashed its fury. Having lived in Brisbane for thirty years they were used to summer storms – but this one was much more violent. Disaster struck as trees were ripped from the ground and tossed like match sticks. Amazingly, no one was hurt. The back of the house where they’d been moments before was torn apart and their car, which was parked in their driveway, was crushed and destroyed. Bob’s birthday will be remembered by all who witnessed the destruction, yet survived relatively unscathed.