Water Water everywhere...

It has been disheartening these past few days with the floods in Queensland- also called 'Sunshine State' otherwise. 'Flash flooding' as occurred here is a kind of inland Tsunami. Water comes gushing in within a matter of a few hours and sometimes just a few minutes. When it began in South East Queensland, people were taken in by surprise, vehicles and houses washed away. In other places, people were prepared and evacuated in time, but when we are talking of water levels of 10s of meters, it is not possible to save the buildings or the belongings. I was in Gold-Coast, Queensland last month. The numerous waterways within the city can be viewed from the plane. The sight is beautiful. And then, there were these gorgeous villas on the banks of the river, with boats and ramps going into the river. I thought, they were ideal holiday homes as Australians love water so very much. I dare not think of what has become of those houses now.

Crisis situations like these, make heroes out of ordinary men. We hear stories of people bravely saving trapped neighbours, elderly, kids on radio all the time. And, I must say the media here is doing a good work. Sensationalizing tragedies for their benefit is so common these days that if a TV channel doesn't do it, I am surprised, even find it extraordinary. Here, whenever I switch on the TV, of course I see the unbelievable scenes of properties, roads drawn under water, but also tales of how the Queenslanders are helping each other in the mammoth cleaning process and how willing Australians across the states are to help the affected with food and essentials. And I must say, that not only the channels like ABC and SBS, but all the local channels too are spreading this positivity. I am happy to see that the media has not completely lost its conscience. They say Queenslanders are bred tough. Yes, their resilience reminds me of 'Spirit of Mumbai'.

Also, I have started admiring Anna Bligh, (the Queensland Premier), more with her every speech. If true leaders are not born in a crisis, they are certainly identified in one.