Monday, February 9, 2009

A Saturday from Hell

Saturday Feb 7 will go down in history as one of the worst days in Victoria ever.
Drought and unbelievably hot days have combined to create the most dangerous conditions for bushfire in our state ever, and this was realised Saturday.
As I write this Monday morning around 7.00 am I know that over 108 people have died so far officially and over 750 homes have been destroyed by firestorms. There are still major fires burning in two sections that are so large that the fire fronts are hundreds of kilometres long. Whole townships have been obliterated.
We are luckily safe with no fires to concern our safety but it could so easily have been us as we live in an area that has the potential. There are fires about 50-60 kilometres from where we live.
The deaths will continue to rise as searches are made of cars and homes that cannot be accessed at present and so many people have lost homes and everything in them. They are left with only what they were wearing. The stories are heartbreaking.
Towns are still in danger despite the weather cooling down to half what it was. There is just no rain. None forecast either.
I feel so sad for so many and shocked by what we see on TV. The next few weeks will see the death toll rise and what further devastation has been created.
I want to do something practical to help.
I will keep you informed and hopefully you can help in some small way too by sending us here your prayers.
Thank you for taking the time to read such sad news.
Irene.

6 comments:

kana said...

Irene,

I will be praying for your safety and hope that the fires will be out soon. Please stay safe.

Leslie said...

Glad to hear you are O.K. I will keep everyone affected by the fires in my thoughts and prayers.

time worn interiors said...

Glad the fire doesn't affect you and yours! I would rather have the freezing rain and icicles! Boy that fire is scarey! Stay safe!
Theresa

Debra Howard said...

Praying for you, your country & all the families involved.
Debbie

Dresden Plate said...

I have put a link on my blog to a Flickr group who are making quilt blocks to be made into quilts for people who have lost their homes.
Wiuth a son living in Sydney we feel the pain and the worries too.
Praying for your continued safety.

Malissa said...

I am so sorry and saddened by what has happened and I am very glad that your family is safe. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.