As Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches, residents in Brisbane are taking no chances. Many have spent hours waiting in line in their vehicles to secure sandbags in anticipation of potential flooding. The line for these essential flood defenses stretches back several streets, illustrating the urgency felt by the community.
Workers have been toiling overnight at various depots to fill sandbags, ensuring that residents have what they need to protect their homes and businesses. At a self-serve sandbag site located in Brisbane's south, dozens of people have been arriving since the site opened earlier this week. The site has been a hive of activity, with individuals not only collecting sandbags for themselves but also for neighbors and friends. Volunteers have stepped up to assist others in filling bags, fostering a sense of community amidst the impending threat.
The demand for sandbags has been relentless. Residents are coming early to beat the rush and prepare for Cyclone Alfred. For some, like Sara Hall from Salisbury, this marks her first experience with extreme weather in Brisbane. Exercising caution, Hall has stocked up on supplies as she prepares to ride out the storm.
Hendre Burger, another resident, illustrated the community spirit prevalent at the sandbag site. While waiting in line, his wife dropped off coffee to keep him going.
"She was doing the bread run, coffee run." – Hendre Burger
Despite the long wait times, Burger expressed understanding toward the situation.
"You understand they're under the pump, so everybody's just got to be patient." – Hendre Burger
The sandbag station is not only a site of preparation but also a stark reminder of past floods. Markers at the site indicate the flood heights from the 2022 and 2011 Brisbane floods, underscoring the potential severity of Cyclone Alfred.
Bill Walker and his son Bede were among those who had already experienced lengthy waits at another sandbag station earlier in the week. Meanwhile, Kate Kunde faced her own challenges as she tried to prepare for the storm.
"I'm thinking it's a bit frightening. I went to the supermarkets this morning to get some bottled water … and everything's actually gone. I'm planning on getting some more [sandbags] but I think they're out of bags now, they said they were waiting for more bags to turn up." – Kate Kunde
The looming cyclone has disrupted plans and caused anxiety across the region. Jo Whitford highlighted the broader impact on events and personal milestones.
"There's a lot of devastated people. They don't know if their parties are going to go through, they've had weddings cancelled." – Jo Whitford
