Monday, February 9, 2009

Bushfires

No-one is ever prepared fully for the impact of a natural disaster and I have to say that this is terrifying and frightening to all the people in Victoria at the moment. We smelt smoke on Saturday from the fires in Kilmore and wondered if it was closer than we suspected. The winds changed and the smoke vanished. We then turned on the television to start watching all the devastation around the country. Even at the baseball reunion yesterday in Essendon we had Elvis the water plane fly over 3 times towards the fires. I really did not realise how large those planes are and how loud they are. I know that those planes are a blessing and help out in a big way towards putting out the flames.
My cousin is a firefighter and I hope he is safe. He is most likely in the Horsham area fighting fires at the moment. I know he is a very brave man like all those who are trying to fight the fires are at the moment. I do hope that the fires are under control soon so that people can be found alive and safe. At the moment the death toll has risen to 130 people. They expect it to be over 200 in the next few days. We spoke to people yesterday who have relatives in Kinglake and were worried sick about them. Some others actually have family in the areas where other fires are and were worried too. My sister worked with some people who live in the Kinglake area and have lost their homes but are very lucky to be alive. I have been watching tv all morning and I just start crying at all the devastation and stories of survival which rips out my heart. It makes me angry and sick that possibly those fires were lit by an arsonist.
Once the centres start taking clothing donations and toys and books and bags I will be giving clothes and shoes that no longer fit the kids but are like brand new and I am going to try and make some toys too to give. Paul and I are struggling financially at the moment so we cant really help out that way so I think this is best. It makes me feel as though I am helping although I would like to do more. I pray that people find their loved ones soon and can start to rebuild their lives. I know that it took quite a while for the Ash Wednesday fires to get back to normal. I was 14 then and the fires did reach Melton. My sister and I had been in Mildura holidaying whilst mum and dad were down here worried sick. It didnt reach our house but it did get near the school. I was so worried that something would happen to them being so far away. When we did come back we saw houses that had been burnt down and trees and all the blackened ground and felt awful so I cannot imagine how those people feel returning to their homes with nothing left but rubble. My heart really does go out to them. Any donations can be made at any of the banks or Red Cross if you would like to contribute.

17 comments:

Amanda said...

The news is devastating and like you I weep at all the horror tales coming out of those devastated areas. I hope it passes soon and that the loss of life does not continue. If only it would rain!

jane said...

I've been thinking about you all weekend...Stay safe and I'll keep your cousin and your country in my prayers! Jane

Anonymous said...

I've been thinking about you and your family. I even looked up on the map to check out that Melton was not in the bushfires. Having lived in California is places close to where fires have reached, I have thought about what I'd grab in 5 mins. It sounds like Victorians had less time than that.

Donna M said...

We have been reading and seeing news stories about these horrible fires. The devastation is horrific and I am happy to hear that you and your family are safe.
Everyone will be glad when this is over.
I'm sure people who lost everything will be thrilled to receive your donations!

Anonymous said...

So so sad. How could people do this?

Unknown said...

I have been thinking about you all day, after I read about the fires in my local paper. I hope they are able to get the fires under control and catch the arsonists responsible.

Wanderingcatstudio said...

I've just been rading about this online... it's horrific. I hope all your family is safe. My thoughts are with you.

Gillian said...

Dear Sue, I'm glad you and all your family are safe and well. The news from Oz is just devastating. I can't tear myself away from Sky news. More snow due here tonight!
love for now Gillian

Sandra said...

Few hours ago I found out on TV news about arsenist! Grose! What on earth is going on in the brain of those people!!??

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for what you all are going through there. I hope your family stays safe.

Annie said...

What a tragedy! I've been thinking about you. Hope you are safe.

Anonymous said...

Glad you and your family are OK. I have been thinking about you. Hope you are staying safe and well.

Harpa Jónsdóttir said...

This is terrible. As a no stranger to natural catastrophes - although of a different kind - I have some idea of what you are going through.
At times like this the strength and the love of the people really comes out and help is often found in unexpected places. As in the help and love you are giving.
Stay safe.

Hilary said...

What a scary thing to be facing...and I really can't believe it was started by a person on purpose. What is wrong with people?! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!

Laurel said...

I've been wondering how you were and if the fires were close to you. I'm glad to know that you and yours are ok, but the deaths and devastation are just awful.

Unknown said...

I've been watching and listening to the news in horror, I'm glad to read that you and your family are safe. It's so very shocking and sad and my wishes and hopes are with you.

Anonymous said...

Dear Sue, Hope you and your loved ones will stay safe. The disaster is unthinkable for those affected.