[Labhaoise]

Hi everyone,
In the past week in Australia we have experienced, what many are calling the worst national disaster we've ever had. In Victoria bushfires have turned into raging infernos after high temperatures 40°C (104°F) and higher. the latest I heard around 705 homes have been destroyed, and 108 people have died- yep 108! What's even worse is that they believe these fires were deliberately lit.
In New South Wales (where I live) there are a few fires burning too, on the central coast, up the Blue Mountains (these fires are probably closest to where I live, but still a good distance) and a couple more. I think these fires are mostly under control, and they've arrested two people suspected of lighting them.

Going from one extreme to the next in Queensland five people have died as a result flooding. Isn't it crazy??? The latest was a 5yr old boy who went out to chase his dog and was taken by a crocodile that was swimming down the flooded street!

So if you wouldn't mind remembering the people who have lost everything in the fires and floods and the firefighters; volunteer and fulltime (the army is on call, ready to go in) paramedics etc, in your thoughts & prayers, it would be more than great.

[angelic_ky]

the weather is ridiculous... so sad the deaths, there's more than twice the death in Vic than they had during Ash Wednesday, the worst of it is that people lit the fires and it was total fire ban so it's not like they didn't know what would happen... What about that firefighter that lit one just so his brigade could put it out and be "heroes" long story short, the fire still out of control

we aren't seeing or smelling any smoke so we are fine for now... thank God for cooler weather, i don't think i could do another day of 40+ C (104+ F)

[Labhaoise]

I know what you mean Kylie, it was disgusting yesterday! I also heard somewhere people were suffocating because the air was so thick and hot, not because of smoke or anything, just because it was hot!

[browneyes01]

will definetly have them in my thoughts/prayers will also pray for the parents that lost their 5 year old son to an accident that could have been prevented.

[AussieD]

Everywhere we go in NSW people are starting appeals to help raise money for the victims. Sadly that cannot replace what some of these people have lost but still it's good that people feel the need to try and do something and are responding with love, prayers and other practical help. I know the situation has been in my thoughts and prayers a lot. Here's a blog which deals a little with the topic http://marriage.families.com/blog/be...show-your-love

[angelic_ky]

My uncle lives down at Healesville (which isn't far from Kinglake)... i got an email from him saturday night saying that there was several fires around but none seem to be coming towards them; they should have evacuated however all the roads are blocked... my aunt tried ringing him today but didn't get any answer.... Dad is going to ring his other sister who also lives in Vic to see if she knows anything

[Labhaoise]

Have you heard anything from your Uncle yet Kylie?
It must be so scary not knowing. I'm having trouble watching the news without bursting into tears

[angelic_ky]

so far he is safe, but i didn't get much in the way of details

[mommy2067]

This is so very sad...will be keeping everyone in my thoughts and prayers and hope that everything gets under control sooner than later...how awful for that little boy who went after his dog...scary...I hope that all of you stay safe and sound and that your loved ones are all okay too!!! ((((((HUGS))))) to all of you....

[angelic_ky]

got an update around lunch time... fires are rather tranquil atm and one is out (although that wasn't a major one) so other than the discomfort of the smoke they are fine