Rebuilding Brisbane after floods ‘will last for months’

Overwhelmed: an aerial view of Brisbane shows the extent of the flood damage

13 April 2012

Deadly flood waters began to recede from the devastated streets of Brisbane today but people have been warned it could be days before they can return to their homes.

One man died in Brisbane after being sucked into a storm drain by the muddy waters as the flood reached its peak, raising the death toll to 15, with 61 still missing.

The water did not reach the level some predicted but it will be the weekend before those who fled their homes will be able to return and assess the damage.

More pictures and latest news: Daisy Dumas blogs from Brisbane>

Queensland's Premier Anna Bligh said it will be months before people will be able to return permanently.

She said: "Mums and dads right now sitting in an evacuation centre with two or three children, who may be able sometime over the weekend to go and look at their homes, they won't be able to get in to clean them until they've had electrical certification and they've [been] made safe. They may not be able to go back into their own homes for literally months."

She broke down as she said Queensland is facing a reconstruction effort of post-war proportions. "As we weep for what we have lost and grieve for family and friends we must confront the challenge that is before us," she said.

"The weather may break our hearts but not our will and in the coming weeks and months we are going to prove that beyond any doubt."

The Brisbane River has inundated more than 20,000 homes and 7,000 businesses. More than 116,000 homes are without power across the city, and to the west in Ipswich.

A tugboat pilot was hailed a hero after he steered a runaway 300-ton concrete walkway to safety when floods tore it from its moorings. As it threatened the Gateway Bridge and dozens of industrial buildings, the tug captain guided it lengthways underneath.

"I think everybody thinks that the little tug who could' made a remarkable effort," said Ms Bligh, referring to the popular children's book. "There is no doubt in my mind that the tug driver saved lives."