Feb 09 2009
Lives and Homes Lost in Devastating Bush Fires
At least 173 people have been killed in bush fires in the state of Victoria, Australia, and many more people are missing. The bush fires raged through several areas north of Melbourne and other parts of the state over the weekend.
There was little warning and, as the fires spread rapidly, many people were trapped inside their burning homes. A first-hand account from Luke van den Berk, who, together with his family, had a very narrow escape from the ‘firestorm,’ can be read here.
The effects of the fires are catastrophic. Over 750 properties have burned down and many of those who survived have lost everything they owned and are now sleeping in emergency accommodation. The Red Cross has set up an appeal fund to help those affected by the bush fires. You can find out more here.
- A Heatwave in January
- Breaking News Australian Bush Fires National State of Emergency - Suspected Arson in Australian Bush Fires - 30, 000 FireFighters Battling the Victoria Fires - Over 100 Dead 600 Homes Destroyed 40 Fires Raging Out of Control across Victoria Australia -
- Aussi Fires
- Australia In The Grip Of Freak Fires
- Koalas in the Heat - and the Bushfires
This is such a tragedy. We wish you all well.
I almost hate to say it, but you’ve been nominated for the Life is Grand award. If you can bear to think of it, post five reasons why life is grand, then nominate five more people for the award.
Marilynne
http://womenoverfifty.today.com
Sher - It is truly horrific and what is more sickening is that some of the fires were apparently started deliberately. How could anyone do such a thing?
Thankfully, it has cooled right down in Sydney - I am very thankful as the heat was getting unbearable - but it’s still hot in Victoria.
Marilynne - Thank you so much for the Life is Grand award. It is important to remain positive at times such as this, so I will give the award some thought and pass it on.