It's been a week since the fires started here in Victoria, in the countryside just outside of Melbourne. The small towns of Kinglake and Marysville are no longer on the map, 2000 homes have been lost, over 180 people have been confirmed dead and over 750 people have lost their homes, some their wineries and livelihood as well.
Victims of the fire, as young as 8 months old, have had their photos posted in the local news. I've read and heard many stories this week; some of people hiding in wombat holes and concrete water tanks to escape the blaze, one of a couple who chose to drive through the fire to escape it (they did), one of two sisters who died trying to save their horses and another of a woman searching through the rubble of her home trying to find a wedding ring she left on the sink a few days prior. Such a tragedy.
The fire investigators have pinpointed the start of the fire and yesterday they charged a 39 year old man with arson.
The Victorian Bushfires have been the worst natural disaster in Australia's history. It's been on the forefront of everyone's minds this past week and Australians have donated over $44 million of their own dollars to help - amazing!
The fires are still burning and I am well out of harms way. The forecast is expecting some rain next week so let's just hope the situation will be under control soon.
1 comment:
goodness--My heart goes at to those that have lost their homes. I salute your for posting this. We all need to try our best to stick together when natural disasters happen. Katherine, do any of your friends live in Victoria?
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