I have been monitoring the flooding and heavy rain over the last 3 weeks as it has has moved south from Central Queensland but the events of this week in Toowoomba and the Darling Downs and now Ipswich and Brisbane have surprised everyone. (Who would have ever thought the Brisbane CBD would be evacuated and power cut?) See ABC News

From a business (and particularly a community banking) perspective the prime focus is the safety of staff and members.

Clients who have endured floods and cyclones regularly are used to waterproofing their premises (plastic and sand bags) and securing power generators. Flooding not only damages property but leaves mud and smells that never quite go away.

Obviously data must be backed up in a safe place off-site and if premises are flooded an alternative work space must be obtained.

Electrical equipment must be moved.

If phones (land line and mobiles) are working then phones can be diverted so that business can continue.

These days ATMs have satellite connections and power back ups in case power and land lines are cut.

The internet permits business to continue remotely but in communities hit by flooding and cyclones you need to allocate staff to hardship claims by customers. This involves deferring payments or renegotiating loan terms.

Many customers will have lost paper records and will not have been able to work. They will require assistance.

The flooding will have long term economic effects.

UPDATE: In response to enquiries, you can continue to contact Brisbane partner David Jacobson on 0421 611540.