Monday 9 February 2009

BUSHFIRES IN VICTORIA

TRAGIC LOSS OF LIVES

As of 7.00am Monday 9th February 108 people have been confirmed dead in the ferocious bushfires that ripped through Victoria at the weekend
My nephew has a home in Wandong where this photo below was taken.
We are so thankful that he did not lose his home. Sadly as well as many houses being destroyed in Wandong there were also lives lost.

Firefighters have worked extremely hard in unbelievable conditions in
an attempt to stop these fires.

There are still 31 fires still burning




This unbelievable death toll makes these fires (some still burning) the deadliest in Australia's history. There are fears that the death toll will rise again as the authorities are able to get into more areas
Our heart goes out to all of the victims and their families


37 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank heavens your nephew and his home are alright. This is tragic.

Connie said...

I've been reading about them, sweetpea, and yes, they are definitely tragic. My heart goes out to those people who are suffering losses.
Hugs and smooches,
Connie

Lori said...

i just read about this on Natasha's blog...how terrible this is...i am so sad about the loss of lives and how many homes have been destroyed...what a tragedy!!! i am glad that your nephew is OK Alison!!!

Gail McCormack said...

Hi Alison, it's unbelievable, I thought Ash Wednesday was bad!
Glad your nephew is OK.

xo

Karen ~ Cider Antiques said...

Hello Alison, I am glad to hear your update ~ that you are OK and your family is too.

This is such a tragic story and it is first on the news here in Canada. So destructive so quickly. Thinking of you all in Australia.

~ Karen

Karen ~ Cider Antiques said...

p.s. have you heard from Alicia at TimeWornStyle? Also in Victoria.

Karen

Anonymous said...

We've been hearing it on the news over here......so horrible. I'm so glad you and your family are okay!
Please stay safe and keep us updated!

xo
Dara

Heather ~Pretty Petals said...

This is so so sad Alison... I am hoping the fires will stop soon and praying for the families that have lost their loved ones and homes.

xo Heather

lily-g said...

Its so unbelievable and to think that it may have been deliberate, thats what really upset me xx

My Pink & Cream Cottage said...

Alison thank goodness your newphew & his home are ok. I cannot even begin to imagine how these poor people down in Victoria who have lost their home or worse family members are coping.
My heart goes out to them

Lyn xxx

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

It seems we all know of someone involved Alison. How tragic is it? We have heard that my mums friend and her husband are listed as missing - I hope they are just unable to make contact and will be safe.
This is such a devastating event for Victoria and Australia.
Hugs,
Kerryanne

Country Wishes said...

Its all so devastating.. So very sad. The smoke from Bunyip Ridge is still visible from my place.

Sweetina said...

Dear Allison,
I came over from Melrose Place to let you know that all of you in Victoria are in our thoughts and prayers. Thankgoodness that your nephews' home is fine and your family well.
Will keep checking back.
So terribly sad for so many families.
I hope they can get the fires out soon, as i know they are trying their best,
God Bless
tina

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear about the fires...

I live in southern California..and we are hit hard every year..thoughts and prayers coming your way.

kayellen

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Australia. So sad to see such devastation.....and the lives lost.....just so so sad.

Hugs!

Michelle

bluemuf said...

How very sad and tragic these horrific fires are.

Karen

Unknown said...

I am so sorry Alison. I was watching the news and could not believe the devastation there. What a tragic thing, and to think that these fires were set deliberately makes it even more tragic. I am happy that your nephew is okay.
Karen

vintage girl at heart said...

I have been following this on the news here, so tragic, my prayers are with everyone.

{oc cottage} said...

So glad you & yours are safe!
M ^..^

shabbyfufu said...

Thinking of all of you over there and praying that all is well.....Janet

Rosemary said...

I am so sorry to be hearing this horrible news!!
It's so bad when we have the brushfires in Southern California.
I know what that is like.
I'm glad your nephew is OK.
Take care,
Rosemary

Joyce said...

Alison,
Those fires are horribly tragic.
I am so sorry for everyone that is going through this situation.
So thankful to learn your nephew is alright.
I was reading the BBC online the other day and was looking at the photos and it's very sad.

I can hardly take it that some wretchedly sick person would SET these fires and cause such loss of life and property.
I wanted to tell you thank you for your comments regarding my little nephew Baby "Aaron"....I so appreciate your kindness and your prayers.
Be blessed,
Joyce M.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad to hear your nephew is okay. It does make my heart sad. Having had a home burn down, I can feel the emotional devastation some of them are feeling. My prayers are for them. Hopefully relief from the heat will come which will help those brave firefighters!

Unknown said...

my heart is broken at the loss of life and devastation.

Mary said...

We have been watching on TV here in the US -- such a terrible loss of life and property! My heart goes out to all who are suffering...
xoxo,
Mary

Unknown said...

Dear Alison, what a terrible situation it has been down your way. I am so glad that some cooler temperatures have reached you.
It is wonderful news about your nephew. Let's hope for many more good news stories amongst the tragic.
Happiness to you, Angela.

a Pocket Angel said...

Alison, This is so sad.. I have been thinking a lot & praying for all in Australia that have suffered because of these devastating fires..
Hugs, prayers, & much love ~Mary~

our shabby cottage said...

Amazing photos Alison. They truly show what utter devistation this fire has caused.

Deb said...

Dear Alison
We've been reading about and watching on the telly of the bushfires! So glad to hear you & your family are o.k. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Dede Warren said...

It's absolutely tragic the loss of homes, and especially lives that you and your countrymen are experiencing. Know we are thinking of you and wishing for a swift end to all the devastation.

The Pink Poodle said...

dear alison...i am literally LOST for words..

my auntie just rang me before..my mums brother..in his 70's..living in daylesord..clearing his land just in case..
of course the tractor carked it..went to check..rolled back on him..
just missed his femeral artery..
waiting to see how he is.?/ just another bit of this horrible saga..

take care...xxxx andrea

oldflowers4me said...

oh -its so sad -we have lost 181 people so far....my heart goes out to there familys.....every one in australia is trying to help...

Lisa Kettell said...

I've been reading and watching video on this and my heart goes out to all those affected by it.

Thank Goodness your Nephew and home were okay!

Magic and Joy!
Lisa!

Merci-Notes said...

Th news here has been reporting about this HUGE tragedy!
I am thankful for your nephews blessing!
I will keep your fellow countrymen in my prayers.

With Kindness,
Mary

Anonymous said...

though we live at the other site of the world, our thoughts are with you and all the victems and their beloved...

CatieAn said...

oh I am so sorry ALison. We have been following the stories of the fires and have been praying for all involved. I a relieved to hear your nephew was safe!
Catie

Anonymous said...

...please where can I buy a unicorn?