Panorama of Brisbane during 1893 flood

Panorama of flooded Brisbane

The Brisbane Courier

Monday 6 February 1893

When in March, 1890, the citizens of Brisbane gazed with astonishment and awe on the encroaching waters of the largest flood known to the memory of white men it was little anticipated that within three years another flood would overtop it predecessor, and work more appalling havoc.

The first Sunday of February, 1898, has proved the most memorable for many years to come. On every vantage ground round Brisbane crowds gathered yesterday to witness the imposing and fearsome sight. The flood had risen twelve or thirteen above that of 1890, and the evidences of destruction were proportionally greater. The produce of many a hard-working farmer when hurrying down the turbid waters. Hundreds of wooden houses, once the happy homes of owner or occupier, careered upon the flood, often remaining whole till they struck Victoria Bridge, when they crashed like matchboxes, and broke away into shapeless masses of wood and iron. Many of these houses contained furniture; and there is an awesome rumour that in some cases they carried away the human inmates to hopeless death. It may be taken as certain that loss of life has been occasioned, though whether in this fearful fashion we are not yet in a position to assert.

Steamers were drive ashore or laid on the tops of wharves; some kept steaming to their anchors in midstream; while yet others were every now and again seen to break from their moorings and yield to the impetuous flood. Fortunately most of these had steam up, and by the use of the anchors and engines saved themselves. Among the vessels thus carried away were two dredges, only one of which had steam, and a number of Government barges, all of which were helpless. With them went the Advance, also helpless, and in much worse condition that is she had remained on duty at Moreton Island. Smaller craft were carried off to almost certain wreck. Ferry houses, sheds and baths broke away, rolled over, and collapsed.

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Then and now...

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Location of this image

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• Category
  View
  River
  Flood
• Time period
  1890s
• Flickr URL
  Flickr - QSA