katysam ([personal profile] katysam) wrote2009-02-09 11:55 pm
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For many, it came too late.

The weather forecast for Melbourne in the coming week is for temperatures in the low to mid 20°Cs.

Unfortunately, for many Victorians the cooler weather has arrived too late. The latest death toll for the devastating bushfires which have been burning out of control across the state for the past few days currently stands at 135. It is expected that number will rise to over 200.

Fuelled by temperatures in the mid 40°Cs (113°F), severe winds and a landscape bone-dry from years of drought there was no stopping the fires as they raced through bushland, across farms and through towns. Over 750 homes have been lost and a number of townships have been virtually wiped out.



It is Australia's worst natural disaster ever.

The destruction and loss of life the fires have already caused is devastating and it is made worse by the suspicion that some of the blazes may not have been so 'natural' and may have been deliberately lit. That thought is almost too horrendous to contemplate and our Prime Minister, Keven Rudd, has even gone as far as to call it 'mass murder'.

My family and friends are all safe. My sister and her family live near one of the largest fires and they were ready to leave their home at a moments notice. Luckily, they didn't have to. We had a small fire a couple of kilometres away from where I live but the local Country Fire Authority (CFA) were able to contain the fire and brought it under control very quickly. So many others have not been as fortunate.

[identity profile] cologne-chick.livejournal.com 2009-02-09 02:04 pm (UTC)(link)
This is so horrible. They show videos on every news and I'm just happy that none of my friend live anywhere near the fires. But I'm so sorry for al the people who lost their homes or even family members :-(

[identity profile] tariel22.livejournal.com 2009-02-09 02:39 pm (UTC)(link)
I've been hearing about this on other journals, and the news is just devastating. The images you've shared are particularly powerful. I'm so sorry such a tragedy has struck your country, and my heart goes out to the victims and their families. I'm glad you and your loved ones are safe. *hugs*

[identity profile] rose-janice.livejournal.com 2009-02-09 02:52 pm (UTC)(link)
This makes me so sad. :(

I'm glad your family and friends are safe.

*clings*

[identity profile] raputathebuta.livejournal.com 2009-02-09 03:45 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm glad you all are safe, Katy! I've never lived anywhere where wildfires are a potential hazard & the idea scares the crap out of me!

If any of the fires were lit deliberately, I hope they can find out who set them & prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.

[identity profile] blackbirdj2.livejournal.com 2009-02-09 04:10 pm (UTC)(link)
It's just so horrible what happened. The picture of the firefighter giving water to the koala is really....I can't come up with the right English word for it, but it almost makes me cry. :(

[identity profile] bananabehr.livejournal.com 2009-02-09 04:57 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm glad that you and yours are safe! Did this go up before or after my frantic text message? *smishes Katy and Winnie super tight*

[identity profile] whimsywinx.livejournal.com 2009-02-09 05:26 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm so glad that you and your family are all safe. I weep for all those who were not. I cannot comprehend how someone could have started even one fire deliberately.

[identity profile] bloggingchick.livejournal.com 2009-02-09 06:29 pm (UTC)(link)
I am so sad to hear that. I hope you and your friends & family stay safe!

[identity profile] kros-21.livejournal.com 2009-02-09 07:13 pm (UTC)(link)
it's terrible. I'm following all the news they pass here about the situation.
I'm glad you are safe though hunny.
*hugs*
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[identity profile] bobbinrob.livejournal.com 2009-02-09 07:27 pm (UTC)(link)
Im glad you guys are all ok Katy, its all very sad :(

[identity profile] evenindeath.livejournal.com 2009-02-09 09:50 pm (UTC)(link)
I wish the media hadn't done quite so much coverage on it, I think it's unfair to the people they interviewed replaying their saddest moments over and over for the world to see :/

(Anonymous) 2009-02-10 05:50 am (UTC)(link)
I agree with you, it does not seem fair to push a camera and microphone into peoples faces and ask them 'how do you feel'? How do you think they feel!!
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[identity profile] laceandgrace.livejournal.com 2009-02-09 09:56 pm (UTC)(link)
Whew. *looks worried* I'm glad to hear you're safe, darling. Let me know if there's anything you need.
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[identity profile] billysgirl5.livejournal.com 2009-02-09 10:02 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm so glad to hear that you, your family, and friends are safe.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in Australia.

[identity profile] killingher-time.livejournal.com 2009-02-09 10:44 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh I just saw that on the news it's horrible! I even heard that people were burned alive in their cars because of the fire. 0.0

Glad your and you family are safe. *hugggs*

[identity profile] deansam67.livejournal.com 2009-02-09 11:26 pm (UTC)(link)
That photo is so powerful :(

I'm glad you're ok ♥

[identity profile] briethehippo.livejournal.com 2009-02-10 01:40 am (UTC)(link)
I'm glad you and your family are safe, Katy. I almost cried watching the news yesterday about the fires :(

Awww @ the fireman giving the koala water <33

[identity profile] vella-amor-dm.livejournal.com 2009-02-10 07:56 am (UTC)(link)
i feel like crying every time i see one of the news reports - from the crying families, to the utter desolation left behind, this devastating disaster is truly heartwrenching :(