[Ailist] Off topic ... Victorian bushfires

[Sue James]

Hi everyone ..

It has been far too long since I've written a post to the list, although 
I have been (barely!) keeping up with reading them all.

I realise this is an off-topic message for the list, but am writing to 
ask if you could send your thoughts and prayers for all the people here 
in Victoria affected by our worst bushfire crisis in the state's history.

None of my immediate family or friends are directly affected, though we 
still don't know the situation of some of our colleagues and network 
contacts.

Last Saturday saw a horrendous increase in the number and severity of 
the fires (over 400 of them across the state), with the highest 
temperature in Victoria's recorded history (approx 115 degrees 
Farenheit) and very strong, hot north winds.
We had a cool change come through on Saturday evening, with a change in 
wind direction - so although it helped in some ways, it also sent 
several of the fires in new directions. A mumber are still burning out 
of control.

Latest figures this morning are 108 dead, hundreds of injuries, 20 
people with dreadful burns who battling for their lives in hospital, 
over 5,000 people now homeless and over 300,000 hectares of land burned out.
For a relatively small population, compared with elsewhere in the world, 
these numbers are devastating. Figures are also expected to climb much 
higher, as fire and emergency crews are able to move into the burnt 
areas to look for bodies and assess damages.
Whole townships have been completely wiped out.

Arson investigations are also taking place in relation to all fires - 
the news is that some of them were deliberately lit, although others 
were caused by the extreme weather and lightning strikes.

So please spare a thought and/or a prayer for the families involved - 
those who have lost their homes and loved ones, as well as all those 
incredible souls who are fighting the fires or supporting their 
neighbours and communities in other ways.

This horrendous situation is also a reminder to us that in the very 
worst of times, wonderful things also emerge. One of the paradoxes of 
life - when we experience both 'the worst of times and the best of 
times', to misquote a saying.
There are stories of amazing courage and resilience, of people reaching 
out a helping hand and heart to help those affected, and of quietly 
voiced 'can do' attitudes in the face of incredible danger or loss.

(If you are interested, more news on the situation, as well as some of 
these stories can be seen on the website of our Melbourne newspaper, The 
Age at http://www.theage.com.au/ )

Thank you for your time in reading this, and for all positive thoughts 
and energy you can send 'downunder'.

Warm regards
Sue
-- 

Sue James
Facilitator & Consultant
Ph: +613 9758 2528
BJ Seminars International
inspiring and connecting people
www.bjseminars.com.au