Australian Bushfires Devastate Victoria, February 2009.

Australia is suffering its worse bushfire disaster ever. Over 100 people have been killed and complete towns have been wiped off the map. So many people have lost everything. All they have is the clothes on their backs.
Photo taken by Jake Valance
Picture taken by Chris Sheffield
Photo taken by Jake Valance
Photo taken by Chris Roche
Photo taken by Chris Roche
Picture taken by Trevor Pinder
Picture taken by Trevor Pinder
There are many tragic stories like a man who had placed his two daughters into their car and ran back into the house to get something and when he returned not even a minute later the car was on fire. People have died when they hopped into spas and baths hoping that the water would protect them from the flames.
Picture taken by Trevor Pinder. Church burnt to the ground.
Picture taken by Fiona Hamilton. A man waiting to hear news about his wife and kids.
Picture taken by David Caird
Victims have reported how the intense heat was causing houses and trees to explode like bombs. They talk about the roar of the fire and how quickly it was moving. Many people waited too long before trying to flee and it was then near impossible to outrun the fire. Many have died in cars.
Picture taken by Mike Keating. A family sifting for anything they can find.
Picture taken by Fiona Hamilton/ courtesy Channel 7 helicopter
Picture taken by Fiona Hamilton/ courtesy Channel 7 helicopter
The prime minister, Mr. Kevin Rudd said it was “Mass murder” as many of the fires have been deliberately lit. He said “Hell has unleashed its fury on Victoria” as he travelled through bush ravaged towns. Mr. Rudd said the army has been deployed to help with the task of reconstruction and the nation needed to brace itself for more losses.
Picture taken by Mark Smith
Picture taken by Jon Hargest,
A neighbour Elaine Scholes outside the house in Kinglake where five people perished.
Picture taken by Jon Hargest
The Federal Government has committed $10 million in assistance to victims of the disaster. Each of the four major banks (National, Commonwealth, Westpac and ANZ) pledged $1 million and regional bank Bendigo promised $100,000. Wesfarmers, which owns Coles and Bunnings, pledged $500,000. Myer promised to match up to $500,000 in donations to its appeal.

So far the general public has pledged $4.6 million to the Red Cross fund. Below are details on how to donate if you are in Australia or you can do online at the Red Cross.

To donate to the Red Cross State Government Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund:

Visit http://www.redcross.org.au/ Phone 1800 811 700. Go to any NAB, ANZ, Westpac or Commonwealth Bank branch. Go to any Bunnings store. Make a direct deposit to the Victorian Bushfire Relief Fund BSB 082-001, Account number 860-046-797. Australia Post will donate $1 million to the bushfire relief fund and collect donations in more than 4000 post offices across the country.

Managing Director Graeme John said people will be able to donate immediately at Australia Post outlets.

If you are reading from abroad and would like to help I will take donations at my paypal account.
If you donate to any of the above please let me know, I will publish your name on my blog to personally thank each person who helps. Donations through paypal can be directed to jbruntassumption@hotmail.com.

To all reading if you can donate to one of the above charities, any amount of money will be appreciated. Remember you can do online at redcross.org.au.

Brunty