Linda (Australia) Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 I'm sitting here, watching the news - it's so terrible - just unbelievable. In Victoria, fires over the weekend have claimed the lives of at least 84 people. They have not yet gained access to many areas, and so the death toll is expected to rise. Over 750 homes have been lost, with several small towns completely wiped out. It's so hard to grasp the enormity of the tragedy. We were on bush-fire alert all weekend as well, with temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celcius, and high winds (we are in South Australia), but it was Victoria where the fires raged. And, they've just announced that they believe several of the fires were deliberately lit. How could someone do that, knowing the terrible conditions? Strangely enough, in the north of the country, in Queensland, it is covered in water - 2/3 of Qld has been affected by flooding - so much so that they are dodging crocodiles in the streets. They believe that a 5 year old has been taken by a crocodile, as they played by the edge of a river. And much of the rest of the country is experiencing it's worst drought in many years. Not much of an advertisement for our beloved country, am I? This death toll has really rattled me - I just can't even imagine the horrors people have gone through the past 48 hours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreenKitty Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 That's just awful. I pray for those people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snickelfritz Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 they tried to escape in their cars.... It's horrifying to me that someone would do it intentionally. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 I'm so sorry, Linda. I haven't even seen a thing about this on the news here. Praying for you all, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6packofun Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 We have been watching this situation and praying! Our hearts and prayers go out to your country. I hope those responsible are brought to justice; this is just terrible! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Lorna Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 I can't believe the news either. Every year the fires seem to get worse. We are all thinking of you at this terrible time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 they tried to escape in their cars.... That's usually a significant contributor to the death toll in bush fires. You can't drive faster than a fire so you have to leave WELL before or stay put. Many of those people would have survived if they stayed home. That's the really sad thing. Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Yes, it's been horrifying to see & hear about all the devastation. My heart goes out to all the families.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparkle Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 That is truly awful. Praying for all the citizens of Australia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danestress Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 I'm reading about it online in shock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
classics4us Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Australia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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