I just saw the email sent out appealing to members to donate and would like to extend my appreciation on behalf of all Australians to any international members who choose to donate and those who bother to read the articles as well.
Latest reports are that the toll has reached 173, and it's a long way from over.
For the international members who wouldn't have seen as many details as we have - on that Saturday, the fire danger index was around 400. An index of 100 indicates any fire that starts will likely become uncontrollable. Firefronts moving at up to 120km/h due to the driving winds, cinder-sparked spot fires forming kilometres ahead of firefronts, forests that have had drastically low rainfall for 3 years...
Vylen - same deal this time, New Zealand's going to cop it.
One of the most telling images to surface out of this - koalas usually aren't the friendliest of things - if you try to pick one up, they'll usually go postal on you. Yet -
At the same time, north-eastern Australia (northern Queensland) has been affected by heavy widespread flooding. Amazing country, isn't it.
Rest in peace to all those who have lost their lives, condolences to the thousands who have lost family, friends, colleagues and their homes, kudos to the thousands of emergency workers involved, and thank you to the individuals, corporations and governments who have been so quick to respond to this catastrophe.