The flood at UQ

The flood waters are beginning to subside in Brisbane. Above is a picture of the northside of the UQ campus. Fortunately, no major buildings were affected; mostly sporting facilities and car parks were inundated.
Thanks again to colleagues from around the world who enquired about my well being. My house was fine. Mind you, the water got to within 100 metres. The route I normally walk with my son to school was underwater.

It is disturbing to read in the Australian, Alarming report on Brisbane River risks covered up, about how a 1999 report to the city council was kept secret until it was leaked years later. Why the secrecy? Too many developers and real estate agents wanted to make money by building and selling on low-lying land.....

Any lessons for scientists? Yes. I believe that when there are large amounts of money (funding) and power (prizes and careers) at stake it is hard for the potential beneficiaries to be objective about the truth. They will also be reluctant to want all the uncertainties about what is known or not known to come to light.

A hydrated university

This is a picture of the University of Queensland in 1974 when Brisbane had a major flood. A similar flood is happening right now!
I don't anticipate any problems with major buildings and labs because the university has exercised restraint and not built on areas that were flooded.
Thanks to my many overseas colleagues who have asked after my well-being. Fortunately, our house is high enough we will probably only have water in the back yard.