The floods in Queensland claimed 2 men's lives yesterday. Their car was wash of the road by flood waters. 5 people survived but the 2 men drowned. A 5 year old boy was taken by a crocodile after he had chased after his dog into a flooded river. Some people homes have been flooded for close to 2 weeks. John
Glad to hear your brother and his family is okay, Adrian. The Bunyip fire is now moving north to the east of us with a new alert message for communities to the north of it (southerly winds at the moment). All of the other major fires are still going as far as I know. Some rain would be great.
Hi all, The death toll now is 181 and seems likely to rise to "at least" 300. Marysville with a population of 500 could have lost 100 however it will take some time to confirm. The fire in the north and the fire in the south are heading to join up which is a real threat. The fires are not threatening Andy's town at this stage as he is quite a distance from the fire in the South East although 20 fires still burn out of control. If the two fires join up it will be an unmanageable situation. We pray for the people of these communities that rain will come tomorrow before the forecast of increased temperatures at the weekend.
Hi Keith Still okay here but with some easterly winds which are concerning. Keeping an eye on things and probably being overly paranoid but, I think, justified at the moment.
My sentiments exactly Andy. I know many people that have been affected, especially in Wandong and Kinglake. The Australian communities and corporations have donated nearly $50,000,000 to the Red Cross Bushfire Relief Fund and tomorrow every government school in Victoria (1600+) will have a plain clothes day where they donate a gold coin to the appeal. The grocery chain that I work for will donate all the profits for Friday from all of their 740 stores around Australia as well as taking monetary donations. The banks have frozen repayments of mortgage loans for three months for those who have lost their homes and businesses. The State Government is providing a Computer and a mobile phone to all those that have lost their possessions and the Federal Government is providing monetary payments of assistance through their "Dole" office. I have heard that in Marysville, over 80 people gathered in the church to escape the fire and it seems all perished.
Bush Fires & Floods Hi Andy, Thanks for your reply and reassurance. Our other forumeers seem OK as well ! Its better to be alert to the possible dangers and stay alive. :grouphug: Cheers Keith
Hi all, Apologies for not being around much however time has been at a premium. Clearing out the house to donate things to those who have lost everything. Food, clothes and a couple of beds. The fires are still burning in many areas and the smoke is everywhere due to a great deal of back burning. The Australians have not stopped donating to the Bushfire Appeal as it has gone from $47 million to over $100 million. Fire fighters have arrived from New Zealand, Canada and the US to assist our fire fighters. Many of the threatening fires are at last coming under control however the danger is still prevalent. There are now 181 official deaths however it seems it will be upgraded to over 300 when the forensic teams have completed their task and cross referenced the "missing" through the Red Cross and the Police. This has been the darkest period in our history in peace time and there is still a lot of crying to be done over the coming months. Building losses are now 1831 which is totally heart breaking.
Well done, Spidge, the red cross needs every thing they can get and anything they have left over could be sent up here in Qld for the flood victims. Some houses have been under water for 5 weeks. Heard on news this morning that arsonists are still trying to start new fires in your forests. Edit - Police have said more bodies have been found and toll will be updated later to-day
Apparently in Marysville, there are many bodies that have not been included as the forensic boys had a lot of wok to do. The numbers are meant to be horrific.
Floods and fires Hi John and all, We are all hoping for the terror that you have all been through is ending. I have to read your postings each day, in the hope that the worst is over, with you all being out of danger. Please keep safe, alert to any danger, and well. Keith
Me too Keith. I haven't had much time so browse around but have checked at least daily for news of you all down there. So glad to hear that you are all safe. Best wishes
The Sun going down in Melbourne! This was the sunset in Melbourne last night as bush fires still rage in some areas and the death toll is now up to 208. The temperatures are getting up to the 30's again so we just pray for a great deal of rain. View attachment 2817 View attachment 2818
