Life In Australia

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.