Bushfires in Victoria, Australia
I know there are many bigger natural disasters which have occurred overseas and there are many being killed in wars as I write, but I live in Melbourne and these bushfires are the worst natural disaster ever in Australia, so yes it effects me more, despite being very angry recently about Gaza. The day they occurred, Melbourne and the areas effected had their highest temperatures ever recorded. The wind was ferocious, coming from unusual directions and turning back on fires. Towns which I’ve visited and loved have been raised to the ground. People I know are missing and those I’ve heard of, but not met, are dead.
Why was this bushfire so much worse than any others? The debate begins. I say it is climate change and we can expect these again along with such high temperatures. The areas concerned have been in drought for years, including Melbourne.
I normally listen to the ABC on radio and it has kept me awake at night with more and more horrible news. Some fires were deliberately lit. Both domestic and wild animals have been burned. Thousands of houses have been burned. People got caught both in their homes and on the roads and have been killed. Some identities will not be confirmed for a long time. Police see bodies where they are not sure if there are one or two of them. It is like a war zone.
Our electricity in the week before when temperatures were over 43c for 3 days got cut several times. That was bad enough. In the bushfire areas, electricity, gas, phones, mobiles, roads, bridges, water pumps and generaters failed to operate.
Now relief centres are being set up with goods and services. But how do you begin again? I have no idea. Some had nothing but the shirts on their backs. No identity papers. I wouldn’t even know which company insures my house and contents.
It makes me think what I would take if I had had time, which most people didn’t. Surely one should keep all relevant papers, medicines, photos, identity cards in a box near the door, plus have cat boxes and dog boxes. At least I have a car.
Here is the best link to view what is happening and if you want to contribute money or your services.
March 11th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
It’s very unfortunate to read about this. In the states, it’s news about wildfires in California that frequently make the news. My heart goes out to those affected by these fires.