As many of you know, for the past few weeks areas of Australia have been experiencing detrimental flooding which has affected over 200,000 people and counting. So far, the flood damage and the lost revenue caused by it is estimated at about AU$10 billion.
The area that has been most affected is the state of Queensland and its capital Brisbane. Over three-quarters of Queensland has been declared a disaster zone. The floods were caused by extreme precipitation from Tropical Cyclone Tasha combined with a trough left from La Niña. Tragically, at least 25 people have been killed by this natural disaster. Over 22 towns have been affected, 300 roads including nine major highways were closed, and 2 million residents of Brisbane were recently asked to evacuate.
There have been many international efforts to raise financial aid and awareness for the victims of this disaster, but there is much more to be done. So far, the Queensland government has raised about AU$32,373,484 dollars. To add to this total and donate straight to the government, please click here. Many Australian celebrities have also organized charities or auctions to benefit the cause, such as Australian footballer Tim Cahill, who set up an auction on eBay for a chance to sit in his box and watch an Everton game, and receive signed cleats and a jersey.
Times like these are when our family and friends need to hear from us most, so don’t forget to take advantage of our super-low rates to Australia, currently only 3.6 cents a minute. Again, for those who would like to give a donation of any size to help the relief effort, please click here.
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