Photo taken by Jason South
Victoria, Australia - Saturday 7th February 2009 - The worst bush fires in Australian history.
This disaster is unimaginable. The death toll has already reached 181 and is climbing every day. Over 900 homes have been destroyed and 7,000 residents left homeless.
The stories we are hearing from the survivors is that it was like a "flaming cyclone"!
As this heart-wrenching event unfolds, I feel grateful that I do not know anyone killed or injured or who have lost their homes BUT the overwhelming sense of loss these people have endured, their excruciating suffering will stay with all Australians for a long time to come.
The most unsettling, mind blowing thing is that many, many of the fires were lit by arsonists.
There is an irony about the bush fires in Victoria.....the top end in Queensland is being devastated by floods. This country "down-under" is so diverse in it's people and it's environment.
18 comments:
It is inconceivable that someone could do such a heinous thing! I posted a poem in tribute to those who have lost so much, Peg.
Glad to know you're in a safe area - and not personally affected.
I love your James Taylor music choice today!
Kat
I'm so glad to hear that you're okay! My prayers are with all the people affected. We had tornadoes here yesterday. Such a diverse world we live in!
glad to hear you are okay .. when the news of the fire came out .. and then you disappeared .. well .. just suffice to say .. glad you are back
Namaste Peggy,
I am quite relieved to know that you & your own are okay. I pray for peace for all the departed souls & strength for their families.
Blessed Be,
Meow
Hey Peggy, love your new header pic...
I heard that all profits from Coles on Friday will be donated to bushfire victims...so yes, if so do your shopping then!!!
These arsonists really need to be conscious of the mass carnage they have wreaked-maybe they should be taken to "ground zero" and have to sift through looking for human remains...it's sure going to haunt many innocent people for as long as they live! Humans can be so inhuman in their actions...it's very sad that good people must live side by side with bad ones.
G'day Peggy, yes it's been such a shocking tragedy, I do feel so proud of our country though watching the courage, kindness and generosity of spirit so obvious at times like this.
SarahLulu
Lovely Peggy. We are praying for you and yours.
(love, love, love the James Taylor playing in the background, a true classic!)
Steady On
Reggie Girl
There are no words are there Peggy? I fear today the official number of deaths is going to greatly increase. Incredible stories coming out too.
Kat, Steph, Ron, Meow, Mackenzie, Sarah, Reggie!
Thank you sooooo much for your concern and comforting words.
I am sorry I was away for so long and didn't post earlier. My computer's hard disk died the day before the bushfires and it was only fixed yesterday.
I have alot of catching up and look forward to visiting your blogs over the next few days.
Pleased you enjoyed the James Taylor track, it is definitely a classic.
Please all stay safe and take care of yourself and your loved ones.
Namaste
Peggy
I agree Lilly, there are no words. This is when I turn to music to help me express and understand situations like this.
I also call upon my guardian angel to guide, comfort those devastated souls.
Peggy
Peggy, I'm glad you posted - I've been wondering about you and about the conditions in Australia. I had not read that the first were arson (many of them). What a shocking fact. My heart goes out to those who have lost family, homes..... I'm glad that you haven't known anyone personally who has been affected. My prayers will be with all those involved in this tragedy.
p.s. I agree that the James Taylor song is a perfect choice --I've been privileged to hear him sing it in person several times at his concerts.
This is so sad and disturbing. It's one thing when nature does the work and another when it's set by arsonists. I don't understand why people set fires... Sending lots of blessings to your end of the world...
Hi Jan - Thank you for your prayers.
On a brighter note, I am very jealous that you have seen James Taylor up front and personal....lucky lady.
Thank you Caroline for your blessings, it means so much when people all round the world pause and reflect on another countries tragedy.
Hugs
Peggy
this is so sad, and even angers me.
we saw this happening in Greece not so long ago, and same, sane situation, many fires lit by arsonists...
It is so difficult to keep our faith when so many twisted things are happening around us...
to a certain point I (almost) understood war...but wreckage for wreckage, not taking into account those innocent or, to talk about something closer to *this* home we are at at this very moment... the people who infect computers with viruses, just as a twisted game of chaos... it is, indeed, difficult to keep faith strong.
Still, mine is with with all of you for this to stop, for no more suffering or devastation... lots of love, Huggzz
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Devasating to say the least.
Amy xxoo
They caught one of the arsonists.
I hate the unbelievable damage and tragedy these selfish people inflict with so little conscience or remorse.
The aftermath of fires is just so sad and scarring both to the eart, the animals and the people...
We are happy you are OK, and have been following it on the daily news here. What a disaster, there are no words to express how sad this is....
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