I find myself reflecting on death, again.
Australia is dealing with the aftermath of its worst 'natural' disaster ever. The State of Victoria has been ravaged by fires. The death toll is already over 100 and expected to rise. More than 700 properties have been destroyed. I put 'natural' in inverted commas for, as the authorities are telling us, many of these fires were deliberately lit.
There's no way to adequately express the anger in the community towards those who lit the fires. I was in Big W this morning. I overheard a staff member suggest that the clothes she was marking down should be given to the fire victims. I encouraged her to tell management. She said she had. I then proceeded to chat with her and two of her colleagues. We all agreed that capital punishment was a fit response to this kind of act. It's so out of character for me to say that. But I find myself understanding how cultures can stone people to death. The anger over this senseless destruction of life is palpable.
So is the sadness. Whole communities have been all but wiped out. It's estimated that around 95% of the township of Marysville has been destroyed. The footage we are seeing of the fire-ravaged areas shows what looks like a war-zone. It's been compared to a nuclear bomb going off and while I think that comparison is a little extreme, I can see where the person who said that is coming from.
It's clear the death toll will rise. Emergency services and police are working through burnt out cars first, in an attempt to clear the roads so emergency vehicles can gain access. Then there will be the gruesome task of going through the rubble of the houses that have been destroyed. Some sights you can never forget. I wouldn't be an emergency worker for quids.
The director of emergency services at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital has been on many of the news reports speaking very eloquently about the people in his care and the care his staff are giving them. The Alfred hospital has a specialist burns unit and are treating the worst of the burns victims. Many are not expected to survive. Those who do are facing months of treatment.
We have one 'celebrity' face to the tragedy. Veteran Channel Nine newsreader Brian Naylor and his wife have died. Brian Naylor was the 'face' of news when I was growing up. He fronted the news for probably thirty years. For many people, Brian was like family. The tragedy, for those who knew no-one in the fires, will be all the more real if they knew Brian.
I have donated to the National Australia Bank appeal. Donations are tax-deductible as the NAB is funneling them through its own charitable trust. I urge everyone to give what they can. If every Australian gave $1 that's $20 million towards rebuilding. I'm also urging those who can to GIVE BLOOD. I can't donate as my iron levels are too low, I wish I could. Burns victims need blood. I've also just heard from my gym (Fernwood) that they will be sending non-perishable items to help. I'll also contribute there what I can.
I've turned off the TV and the radio. I can't take in any more of the tragedy right now. It breaks my heart.
I read the Editorial in the Sydney Morning Herald today and I think it set the tone really well. It speaks about mourning and it speaks about loss. It says that fires are not new, and that there will be a next time. It follows with this paragraph on Climate Change:
What is new here is global warming and the extreme weather it is bringing in its wake. The evidence suggests we are living in a world where there are now more storms, more floods, more droughts and more fire. Whole tracts of Queensland lie under water. Most of NSW is in drought. This weekend south-eastern Australia has seen some of the worst fires in our history. This is no time for political grandstanding but it was not out of place of Senator Bob Brown to suggest yesterday: "This is a sobering reminder to the whole world of our need to tackle climate change."
I'm sad to say, I wholeheartedly agree.
Related links:
Rescuers brace for more bushfire horror:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/02/09/2485840.htm
Australia's bushfire disaster: Many good people lie dead
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/many-good-people-lie-dead/2009/02/09/1234027889048.html
Brian Naylor confirmed dead
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/newsreader-brian-naylor-confirmed-among-the-dead/1428143.aspx
SMH Editorial
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/editorial/a-nation-mourns-their-memory-20090208-80wv.html?page=-1
How you can help:
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25027108-421,00.html
http://www.redcross.org.au
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