Daily details of deaths and other losses are contained in the next post below.
The Google Gadget map of Victoria (above) indicates in red fires that are still burning in southern Australia. The map uses information from the Victorian Country Fires Authority.
You will also note a link to 'How you can help' - click to go to the Australian Red Cross Society web site and make a donation to help those affected. Australians had donated $A28.2 million by 7pm Tuesday.
Boundaries of the State of Victoria are denoted by faint dotted lines, and the coastline. If you zoom out you will see the size of the state relative to the rest of Australia, and zoom even further to compare with other continents. You can also use other features to see the terrain and a hybrid view of the areas. Click on the little individual indicators to get further information about fires in local areas. Use the pointer tool to move the map itself.
LINKS TO FIRE FIGHTERS ON THE JOB - GRIPPING
The links here are two videos from Country Fire Authority of Victoria. Taken on Saturday, they feature Bunyip fire crews protecting properties in Kydd Road Labertouche. It's gripping stuff.
Part One
Part Two
More updates in post below.
Donate to the Australian Red Cross Fire Appeal Here
Posts
Gift socks Knit for Christmas
10 months ago
Where would be Flemington?
ReplyDeleteOh, June, I do hurt for all of you! This is such a frightful, dreadful time. Thanks for keeping us updated. Love and good thoughts to you my friend.
ReplyDeleteHi SREE
ReplyDeleteFlemington is very close to the centre of Melbourne - I don't think it was near the fires.
SYLVIA
ReplyDeleteThanks again
I am putting these things on 70 Plus because I have had so many hits from people who are obviously concerned/interested.
I think it's gut wrenching for all Australians, but most of us are safe of course. We do wonder about what the future will bring with climate change.
June, I am an Aussie living in the US, and while the ABC's coverage online is pretty good i have found your updates helpful. The news filtered in through the Us media yesterday evening and i've been fielding questions from friends most of today - it has been hard to explain how horrific this all is...My family are safe being further north in NSW but it isn't just about people you know....it is about this being a land and a people suffering. Thanks for helping keep me in the loop. My prayers are with those suffering and those who have and are putting their lives on the line to save lives and land.
ReplyDeleteIt's absolutely heartbreaking, June. Thank you for giving us these updates.
ReplyDeleteI heard about the tragedy there, so aweful.
ReplyDeleteJune, Thanks for posting the map. It has to be the worst kind of fire catastrophe. The papers here say that there is a suspicion that this could be arson. While they will investigate, and even punish whoever did this, ones heart goes out to those who are suffering and seeing their life turn to cinders. I guess we need to learn to be even more disciplined and vigilant. I hope and pray that this fire havoc is soon completely contained..
ReplyDeleteANNA
ReplyDeleteThanks for confirming my feeling that this little blog has helped people understand the Australian fire dilemma. I have had so many hits since Saturday, so it is obvious that it am filling a need.
I have just watched the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd address Parliament on his return from two days in the fires. He said that Aussies have personally already given $15m in cash to the Red Cross national appeal fo help those affected. There have been huge amounts of goods donated as well. That indicates the mateship here I reckon.
The government, of course, is helping in many other ways.
Thanks Claire
ReplyDeleteApparently the Australian government has received condolences and offers of help from nations throughout the world. I'm sure that the thoughtfulness helps those poor people very much indeed.
KAREER WOMAN
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting - and the empathy.
SURANGA
ReplyDeleteSome of the fires were lit by arsonists, it seems. But they would not have been successful if the weather conditions had not been so fearfully extreme, following on a long long drought.
Also Victoria (and Australia as a whole) have a long history of fighting fires, and learning lessons and implementing them in combatting the flames. However, most people here know by personal experience of our land and its weather that the climate has seriously changed for the worst. Any farmer will tell you that! We gardeners can see the habits of plants changing each year, for instance.
This means we must adapt again to an even more difficult situation. I suppose my point is that it's not simply a matter of 'discipline'.
Cheers
June
I will definitely be donating to the Red Cross! Those fires are such a terrible and in some cases needless tragedy.
ReplyDeleteLADYFI
ReplyDeleteWell done! I sent my $50 to the Australian Red Cross via the internet on Monday. I wish I could afford $1mill.
Hello..
ReplyDeleteI'm really impressed with your blog and I would like to talk to you on air I present abc statewide afternoons here in NSW and I would love to talk with you via phone my # is 02 65881211
Hi FIONA
ReplyDeleteI will be interested to speak you on ABC NSW this afternoon.
For my blogging mates - tune to ABC statewide at 3.10pm if you're interested in hearing the chat.
Cheers
June
Hey June. I just remembered you were from down under. My business partner is Aussie so I've been following the fires. Hope you're ok. I've missed your comments on Out-Numbered. Come back soon! Be well...
ReplyDeleteI hope this tragedy ends very soon.
ReplyDeleteHi OUT-NUMBERED
ReplyDeleteI'll be back when the mud dries as we say here. I have spent a lot of time on these fire posts, but much more, my life is hectic right now for other reasons.
I'm fine where I am - in no danger. But all of Australia has felt this tragedy deeply. It seems that everyone is involved in helping in some way, even though it's a big big country and most of us are a long way off. .
KMS
ReplyDeleteYes, there are a lot of people of the same mind. Today was a quiet one, with cooler temperatures in the fire area, even though 30 blazes are still burning. Let's hope next week's threats of heat do not come to pass.
Oh June we are all thinking about you. I hope things work out. Living in L.A. for 12 years I know fires. They are so scary and then one day they are under control. Take care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteOk June. God Bless and be safe...
ReplyDeleteLAURA
ReplyDeleteYes I remember your fires were particularly bad at one time and our fire people went over there to help out with their experience. Now you're helping us. In fact so many people have offered help. Even little Papua New Guinea has given $2 mill. which I can't imagine how they can afford. Indonesia $1 mill.
Amazing, how you are into so much at 70. I am falling apart, at 60. Can only teach, & write poems. Whatever you write is so meaningful.
ReplyDeleteWould love to be like you, but the 'spirit is willing, the flesh weak!' How do you manage?
On so many fronts?
Regards,
Smita.
I have just posted a comment. Whee has that one gone?
ReplyDeleteAmazing! how you're int so much at 70. How do you manage? Whatever you write is so meaningful!
Fegards,
Smita.
Hi SMITA
ReplyDeleteI have just looked for your blog to meet you there. Have you taken it off? Was looking forward to seeing your poetry ...
I think we can do all sorts of stuff at any age. The trick is to believe that we can.
Exercise is great - the body and the brain. Whatever we can manage. If you don't use it you lose it, I say!
Yes, I woul love to go thru journeys in creative writing,but can't access it now.
ReplyDeleteMy blog iswww.smita-poetry.blogspot.com
And thanks for the advice on keeping fit!
Regards,
Smita.