15 Jan 2011

Flood update

No good news to report here, I'm afraid.

The entire population of our Central Victorian town was evacuated to the local school last night. When that flooded early this morning, they were further evacuated to a neighbouring town 30 kilometres away.

The Avoca River finally peaked at 8.05 metres - 75cm higher than the levels in September.

80% of the town, including our home, is under up to about 1.5 metres of water. The town is isolated, and there is no power, no potable water and no telephone access.

We are all together in Melbourne - hubby left town after the first evacuation notice yesterday morning. I feel better having him with us.

It feel rather strange not knowing exactly what, if anything, we will be able to salvage. We are not even sure if the things that we moved to higher levels will be high enough. It is all in God's hands now.

Thank you all for your ongoing prayers and messages of support. They are much appreciated.

Tonight we will be drinking champagne.

24 comments:

  1. I am sorry. I pray that you may find things as well as can be when you return to your home. I lost a house years ago to a fire, so I know how the lose of items can hurt. I also know that life goes on. I am glad your family is in a safe place. May things go well with you.

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  2. Thank you for taking the time to update us. We love you all and just so glad that you are safe! xxx

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  3. oh Jeanne, I am glad you are all safe! I just came here again to check as we just saw the 5.00pm news:( I do feel really sad for your home though:( so sorry:(
    love
    Rosemary, Ron and Rebekah

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  4. Oh, Jeanne, I can hear the disappointment in your post :( So sorry for you to have to go through it all again. We , too, are watching our river as it rises fast. Our road at the back is being flooded, but we think it will be alright. Just watching and praying - for your situation also. The back of our property is about 50m from the river (at normal levels). We are rescuing our bees at this moment (only 1m away from the current levels).
    I am also glad that your family got out quickly and praying that whatever you find when you get home that the Lord will strengthen you in it all.hugs 2U Joel xx

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  5. How sad that your town and home have been flooded again. As you return and take stock, please tell us if there's anything we can do to help. I know it will be hard work and heartbreaking for many, but those of us unaffected would love to help in any way we can.

    Love, Vanessa

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  6. Champers in the face of adversity is a great way to go. Love the attitude, girl! I do hope you can salvage most of your belongings. Prayers your way. ♥

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  7. Thinking of you at this worrying (but exciting)time as you have to trust God for everything. Will be praying for all to be safe and that your hearts are happy in the Lord regardless of circumstances.
    Blessings, Renelle

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  8. Thank you for the update. I've been checking regularly since we arrived home yesterday from holidays. Am praying for you all as you face this trial. But honestly from what I read of you here I'm not worried, your faith is vibrant and strong and I truly believe will pull you through. Glad you are safe in Melbourne as you wait.

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  9. I watched the news tonight and thought of you. Please let us know what we can do, if there is anything you need.

    In my prayer.

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  10. Glad you are all safe ..sorry about your house. Praying for all those affected by floods.

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  11. I'm sorry to read this. I had a feeling you were affected and have been praying. You, your family, and your neighbors remain in my prayers.

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  12. Oh Jeanne, this must be so devastating. From all the pictures on your blog your home and garden are beautiful. Praying that God will comfort you through it all. Hopefully Jemimah is not too upset. Glad you and your family are safe and hoping that many of your belongings are safe too. Love to you all, Mel and family. xx

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  13. I'm so sorry about your lovely home and garden. But so glad you and your family are safe. I've been praying since reading your last post.

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  14. Jeanne, so glad you are safe. Praying damage will be not as bad as you might fear. You are constantly on my mind and heart. xo

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  15. Oh, Jeanne! We are praying for you and your family. ((hugs))

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  16. My heart breaks for you and yours. I will be praying and thanking Him for all that He has done for you. Our plan is not His plan but His is the best.

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  17. I've been thinking of you, and I'm so glad to know you are all safe. I know "stuff" is not supposed to matter, but I am willing all your books and lovely things to be okay.

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  18. Jeanne

    {{{}}So glad to hear you are safe, praying your home and belongings are not too badly damaged{{}}

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  19. I too am glad you are all safe. Will pray for you and your possessions tonight. ((((((((HUGS)))))))))

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  20. oh Jeanne I'm so sorry to hear that your lovely home is flooded but very relieved to hear that you are safe!! I hope when you can return that you find things are not as bad as you expect to find. Prayers for you my friend!!
    Carolyn.

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  21. That you are safe is the best and most important thing of all. Although many of us are complete strangers to you we would like you to know that you are thought of daily and we feel hopeless at times being so far away but hopeful because we know there are legions of people in your area and nearby ready and waiting to help all of you. Please stay strong.

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  22. Jeanne, I'm visiting your blog from Katia's after reading her prayer request. I'm glad to put a personal "face" (even if it is your blog!) to something that is happening so far away from me. We will be able to better pray for you all over on the other side of the world. Keep trusting Him.

    Christine

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  23. I've just caught up on your news! So sorry to read about what's happened in your house and hometown. I don't know why, but I always thought you lived in or near Melbourne, so it didn't occur to me you might be affected by the floods in Victoria. I can't even imagine how you're feeling or coping with everything, but it was great to read that your faith is still strong. I'll be praying for you, your husband, your daughter and your town. God bless xx

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