I apologise for the sombre tone, but I just wanted to let people know that we have had the worst bush fires here in Victoria since European settlement. Entire towns have burnt to the ground, including a beautiful little place called Marysville, home of the amazing Bruno's sculpture garden.
At this point, after 2 days, there are 65 confirmed dead and approximately 700 homes lost. This is likely to rise significantly higher, as at this stage, many burnt areas are still inaccessible. There are also a number with severe burns in hospital.
I send all my love and best wishes to those who have lost their loved ones, their homes and livelihoods, and those who are doing all that they can to help fight the fires (including my partner). I am not a religious person, but I ask all those that are to keep these people in their prayers. And please keep your fingers crossed for favourable weather conditions.
Well said Shannon!
ReplyDeleteKudos to your partner and to you too..this is a sad sad day..prayers and thoughts with the unfortunate and their families
ReplyDeleteIt is so terrible about the fires, it is all over our news here in New Zealand, our moon is pink tonight from the smoke, and people in the South Island noticed today that the light was weird and could smell smoke in the air!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with everyone over there.
My prayers too are with the families who are affected by this and also to all those people who are trying to help them fight this terrible fire.
ReplyDeleteHi Shannon,
ReplyDeleteI just switched on the news here in New Zealand this morning I can't believe the awful death toll. It's so sad. My husband was in Melbourne a couple of weeks ago and said it was incedibly hot then. It must just be a nightmare now. Our thoughts are with you all.
Mercedes
my prayer to all those in need as well
ReplyDeleteHi Shannon and all at your home affected by the awful tragedy which has been on our headline news for the past couple of days. Please allow me to share the following condolence letters from our President and Prime Minister to your country which spoke from the hearts of many Singaporeans here:
ReplyDeletePresident Nathan's letter to Australia's Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce:
Your Excellency,
I was deeply shocked and saddened by the heavy toll on human lives and the severe devastation caused to large areas and communities and homes in Victoria by the fires that raged over the weekend.
From watching the horrific television footage of the feocious fires, Singaporeans share in the pain and suffering endured by many Australians.
On behalf of the people and Government of Singapore, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the victims and bereaved families. To those who have been injured, we wish them a speedy recovery. To those who have lost their homes, it is our hope that they will find comfort and return to normal life before long. Our thoughts are with the Australian people during these unexpectedly difficult times.
I am fully confident the people affected will overcome it with the characteristic Australian fortitude and with the ongoing tireless efforts of your Government to help those afflicted.
This one is from our PM Lee Hsien Loong to your PM Kevin Rudd:
Dear Kevin,
I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of many lives and the extensive damage to homes and communities caused by the bush fires in Victoria.
On behalf of the people and Government of Singapore, I would like to extend our sympathies to the people of Australia who are affected by the fires and our deepest condolences to the families of the victims.
If it would be helpful to your efforts, Singapore can offer the use of our Super Puma helicopters currently stationed in Oakey for your relief efforts. We are also ready to help in any other way that we can.
Under your able leadership and given the resilience of the Australian people, I have no doubt that Australia and the people of Victoria will overcome this difficult challenge. Our thoughts are with you and the Australian people.