Disaster in Brisbane: 30 People Have Been Officially Declared Dead

Never perhaps in Australia's history has such tragedy befallen the people of Brisbane as it is happening now. In one of the worst natural disasters to have struck Australia, around 30 people have been officially declared dead and it would be some time before the actual loss of life is counted.

A look at the video clippings played out on major news channels sends shivers down the spine and is a grim reminder of the price we have started paying for denigrating and abusing the environment. The Brisbane River, as we have all known it for ages, was a beautiful and serene river flowing calmly and providing livelihood to thousands of people upstream and downstream. In one stroke of nature's fury, entire stretches of land and buildings have been swallowed by the might of the river. Its swirling waters have left behind a devastating tale of death and destruction.

While relief and rescue operations are in full swing, it would perhaps take months if not years before things return to normal levels. The gory dance of death performed by nature in Australia over the past few days reminds me of the old proverb "The mills of god grind slow but they grind sure". The proverb aptly describes the result of not respecting nature in our quest for material success. While growth and prosperity are very natural and fully justified, it should not be at the cost of our environment. Wanton felling of trees, uncontrolled emissions of poisonous gases and other such crimes against nature have to end in disaster and the process has already begun. Unless we wake up and do something on a war footing, tomorrow could be too late and we could be witness to many such tales of death and destruction across the length and breadth of this planet.

Let us remember one thing; we have borrowed this earth and universe from our grandparents in a clean and pure state and it is indeed our responsibility to hand it over to our grandchildren in the same condition if not better.