February 9, 2009

Hot Hot Summer...

...and not in a good way. As most of Australia is aware, severe bushfires have been burning in various areas of Victoria for quite a few days now.

These fires are even worse than the infamous Ash Wednesday fires back in the 80's...


So far the death toll (as I write) is estimated at over 130... it's unbelieveable!

However, in the midst of news reports, and photos of the devastation, I was kind of shocked to see this photo:

Does anyone else find the fact that this bushfire survivor is smoking a cigarette disturbing? I mean I know people do strange things when they're traumatised, but considering that at least one of the fires is known to have started from a carelessly discarded cigarette... I find it appalling.

One journalist wrote of his experience in the fire front, and it contradicts everything we've ever been told- that if you're prepared, you're safe. Perhaps not.
How We Cheated Flames of Death- Gary Hughes

One photo of hope in the midst of destruction:

A fire fighter holds a baby sugar glider saved from the fire.

Helicopter crew's description of 'Armageddon'

This is truly disaster on a grand scale. But Australia is a nation of perseverance & sticking together in the tough times... "mateship" if you will...

We will recover!

6 comments:

  1. I think we can give the old bird a smoke after her ordeal TT - by the look of things it may be her last!

    A terrible weekend.

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  2. I agree about the smoking... luckily I never started. But there are doctors who continue to smoke even after taking care of lung cancer patients...

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  3. So sad! That last photo speaks volumes.

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  4. We get wild fires here in Calif. Maybe you remember the Oakland Hills fire. And the Malibu Canyon fires. It is so hard to watch. I know people who lost houses. I feel for you. But you will recover. I know you all are strong.

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  5. Hard hitting but I think the media had a big part to play in it all, by the way they hyped it so much then all of a sudden you have all those fires blazing at once!

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  6. You Ozzies are tough and you'll survive this. My thoughts and prayers are with your country at this terrible time, TT.

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