Victorian Bushfires

I’m sure by now you’ve all heard or read about the devastation caused by bushfires in Victoria over the last five days. Fires are still burning out of control, although milder weather conditions are making the task of firefighters less difficult.

Over 1,000 homes have been destroyed and as I write this there have been 181 confirmed deaths. We all fear those numbers will climb in the coming days as authorities continue to search through decimated towns and country properties.

Each morning I have been woken by our radio alarm announcing another community under urgent threat from the fires. I turn off the radio as I find it difficult to be reminded of the horror of what has happened. Then I think about the people who are waking up still with no home, who have lost loved ones or perhaps still don’t know if family and friends are alive. My horror is nothing compared to that.

I think many of us in Australia are used to seeing images of bushfires, as awful as they are, where the fire’s fickleness will burn one house but leave the one next door standing. This is different though. The full impact of what was unfolding struck me when I first saw the images of Marysville. A once beautiful, quaint country town in the mountains. There was no fickleness about this fire. It burnt everything. Marysville has been decimated. Not only the buildings, but lives too. I can’t imagine what it must be like to have my whole town gone. There are other towns gone as well.

Many of the bushfire victims tell of the unbelievable support they have been receiving from others. Communities both directly affected by the fires and those not have been showing an amazing willingness to help where ever they can. Many fundraisers are being organised and I believe a number of local councils have set up drop off points for people wanting to donate goods. Alternatively there are the official appeals where people can donate money. Authorities are now also beginning to plan longer term accommodation for those left homeless.

If you are unsure how you can help ABC Online has a list of contacts here under “Here’s how you can help”.