Fourteen people have been killed in the savage bushfires which set Victoria ablaze on Saturday.
Victoria police confirmed the deaths on Saturday night and said they fear the figure may reach into the 40s.
Deputy police commissioner Kieran Walshe said all the deaths were in a massive blaze northwest of Melbourne - six at Kinglake, four at nearby Wandong, three at Strathewen and one in Clonbinane. AAP
On a more positive note it's great to see the country pulling together. I was listening to the radio today and a bunch of stations managed to raise more than $1 million by midday, and this is on top of all the other donations, I read in the paper that they'd reached $20 million in total. Even the politicians (well, most of them) have put aside their usual bollocks for the time being. I am proud of my country today. :redbeathe
I thought I'd end this attempt to be positive (as much as possible in the circumstances) with some appropriate lolcats:
For those of you who have noticed that I haven't posted for a while, it's because I am a full time student studying a Diploma of Conservation and Land Management at TAFE. I am still working two days a week in nursing. I found I was becoming more interested in the health of the planet, than in the people on it ...
Many of my fellow students are CFA volunteers, or with Parks Victoria etc and are out in the bush, many of my lecturers live in the affected areas. In class, we are hearing and seeing first hand accounts from fellow students & lecturers. Truly unbelievable, and makes me appreciate life even more.
PS. Just loved that photo of the koala being given a drink from the water bottle by the CFA chap.
The fireman who is in the picture is the husband of one of our nurses, best friends, apparently he is a pretty tough character, but this past week has been a life changing experience for him.
Our organisation is involved in setting up a clinic for any minor burns, cuts and bumps today and for the next few days, so our division will feel like we are doing something to help more practical with our skills. I am on days off though, after having worked right through.
twistedpupchaser
266 Posts
Victoria, Good Luck!
Our thoughts are with you...