Sunday, February 08, 2009

I feel like crying

We woke up this morning to the news that at least 25 people have died in bushfires in Victoria yesterday. The fires are still burning, and officials are expecting to find more bodies today. Six people died in one car which you would have to think is a whole family.

There are also fires burning near Sydney.

There are no fires near me, but I do know a lot of people who provide support to firefighters, and I pay a lot of people who live in the affected areas.

It appears as though there is a town called Marysville near Melbourne where 90% of the town have been destroyed, including shops, homes and the local police station.

Edited to add: I just got a phone call to say that the mother of one of the victims works with one of my family members. He died in his car along with his best friend and fiancee. His dad had a property in the worst affected area, but is working overseas, so the man who died went to try and save the property, and instead lost his life.

I know that I don't know them, but it does feel even closer to home than it did before.

31 comments:

  1. How tragic...they will be in my prayers and please stay safe yourself!

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  2. That is horrible! They are in my prayers and I will be wishing them peace.

    You be careful.

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  3. Thanks Nymeth, Amy and Vickie. I have updated my post with some more details.

    I am just watching the news in total shock at how bad this has become.

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  4. Living in southern California and having to evacuate this past November because of a wild fire....

    I know exactly how you feel.

    It's tragic. It's scary. It's beyond words and emotions.

    Stay safe.

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  5. That's so horrible. I'm so sorry for the peoploe and their families. It sound's like you are safe for now but Marg, promise me you will leave if there is a threat in your area.

    Hugs!

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  6. It's totally awful. I don't think a little cry is an inappropriate reaction if that's what you need to do. Thinking of you - and everyone in the path of the fires.

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  7. Oh no, Marg! Such tragedy... =( Thoughts & prayers for the friends & families of all affected.

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  8. Marg lets hope you all get some needed rain over there very soon. Please stay safe.

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  9. Like others have said, I hope you and yours all stay safe and my heart goes out to all the losses due to these devastating fires.

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  10. Dreadful news isn't it Marg. Worse to come I think as they locate soem of the people who haven't been heard from yet

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  11. That's heartbreaking Marg.

    Stay safe.

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  12. Wendy, I was thinking about you having to evacuate as I was watching the news. As we hear the stories of the people who had to evacuate it is hard to fathom how they feel.

    Teddy, I can assure you I wouldn't be sticking around. They say you either decide to go early, or you decide to stay and fight. I would be going.

    Kerry and Drey, I am sure that thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated.

    Kathy, the strange thing is that it has been raining where I am, just not where it needs to rain.

    Chris and Kristie, we are definitely safe here. Worst we have had is the heat and then a black out earlier this morning.

    Kerrie, the death toll has just jumped by another 9.

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  13. I'm freaking scared of fire. On Tuesday, one of the power lines a few houses down caught fire, and I freaked out. Was quickly put out, but I was still terrified.

    My dad used to go to Marysville a lot when he was a kid. Or maybe he lived there.

    I thought I heard on the news that there was a fire in Ferntree Gully. Not major like the other ones, but it was the closest one to me, I think.

    So freaking sad. What was the nearest one to Laverton?

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  14. I would freak out if I was in a fire Tez. Marysville is one of those places that I have been meaning to visit but never got there.

    I hope that there's not one in Ferntree Gully. I have a number of friends who live around there.

    There's none particularly close to us thank goodness.

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  15. Marg - I'm so sorry to hear of such a tragedy. I can't even begin to understand. Thoughts and prayers for those affected.

    CindyS

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  16. Thoughts and prayers kiddo. Thoughts and prayers.

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  17. ... well written people, I enjoy a good, interesting blog!

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  18. Marg, I am thinking and praying for everyone in the affected areas. I know how devastating fires can be--and how frightening. It wasn't too long ago that my part of the world was surrounded by fires and many people I know suffered losses as a result.

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  19. I was just reading about this on BBC news, how absolutely awful, thoughts with the poor victims xx

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  20. This is so awful. I spent all afternoon worrying about relatives in Victoria, but thankfully they're safe. It's a weight off my mind but I still feel dreadful thinking of all the others who haven't been so lucky.

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  21. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers!

    Hugs.

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  22. Oh, Marg... The latest count is at 84... =( I hope your friends are all ok.

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  23. Marg, this is terrible. It's all over our news here too about your weather and the deaths. Please take care and stay safe.

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  24. Marg - I just saw on the news over 100 people have died. I'm so sorry for your country's loss. Thinking of you and Kat O+ often.

    CindyS

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  25. I had no idea things were that bad until I read about it on one of the craft forums I visit. It's just awful to hear the stories that are coming out. Sending some good thoughts to everyone out there. Hope you and your family are safe Marg!

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  26. Oh how sad! That's awful, and now I feel like crying myself. Please be safe!

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  27. I've been following the stories closely and it has just broken my heart. I'm grateful you're safe, but the stories I've been hearing bring tears to the eyes.

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  28. That's terrible!
    Please take care and be safe!

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  29. Thanks for the kind words. The people of Victoria and Australia still really need thoughts and prayers. There are still fires burning and homes and lives at risks.

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  30. I've been reading about this story from an insurance loss POV, but it is hard not to see the human implications of these wildfires and the possible arson

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