Tough times here in Tasmania

I was trying to send our weather your way Craig, as discussed previously, lol.:broon:

Glad to hear it is easing up albeit slightly :broon:

Just an update for anyone who may be interested, We are still on high alert here and although some cooler weather has helped over the past 24 hours, we still have around 40 active fires state wide around. At this stage around 130 properties have been lost and around 3000 families and businesses without power which is likely to continue for up to 6 weeks. Several areas of the state are still cut off by road and only accessible by the sea. While 100 people are still uncounted for, fortunately no serious injury or fatalities have been recorded and the forensic teams have inspected around 700 properties so far giving them the all clear. Sadly pets and live stock have not been so lucky with many animals having to be euthanased. Currently there is a massive relief effort under way to assist both displaced families and effected pets and livestock with food, accommodation and other basic necessities.

Cheers
Craig

Good to hear things are getting better, even if it is slowly and it's good to hear that casualties have been low.

I know a lot of people say that it is just a home etc etc, but that is no comfort for the ones effected.

Do you know if there is an official aid type place that I could send a donation to? It won't be loads but I don't mind donating something.

Thanks for you generous offer mate, I believe the best option would be through the Australian Red Cross on the link below, that's where I have donated.

Tasmanian Bush Fire Appeal

Craig

I was just catching up and about to ask the same question about donations.

If you prefer, I'd be willing to set up a donation thread here and pass the money directly to you/RedCross/local group you felt needed it most

just let us know if and how we can best help. My brother lives in Sth Aus and whilst they've had nothing on your scale, fires are rife in their area too

stay safe x

Thanks Birks, if you wish to set up a donation thread that would be great, I would prefer any donations be directed straight to the Australian Red Cross - Tasmanian Bushfire Appeal as they have the resources and infrastructure to deal with it properly and place the funds where most needed. The Australian Red Cross have also indicated that 100% of monies donated will go to the relief effort with the Tasmanian Government picking up the tab for any administration fees.

http://www.redcross.org.au/tasmanian-bushfires-appeal-2013.aspx

I hope your brother stays safe and and any fire in his area are quickly brought under control with a minimum of damage.

The video below was taken from an RC Helicopter detailing the damage in just one street of the devastated seaside town of Dunalley



Cheers,
Craig

Sometimes us people up here don't know how lucky we are to have our "English weather" compared to you down there!!!

Keep your chin up and as the saying goes......

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON!!

Thanks Andy, our hazards are simply different to the ones you guys experience, no better or worse than yours. Having grown up with bush fires I'm used to fire season, I was first evacuated at the age of 6 months in 1967 following the death of my grandfather fighting a bush fire on our property. Since then I have fought and or provided medical support at hundreds of fires, both bush fires and structural fires. I still consider Australia "gods own country" and would never choose to live elsewhere. Having said that I still proud of and cherish my scots heritage.

Thanks for the link and the updates. Australia certainly has its fair share of problems from Mother Nature; if it isn't bush fires as currently, then its previously been flooding on the Coast of Queensland and typhoons/tornadoes around the coastline to WA on a regular basis, too.

Tough country, tough nation!

Edit to say: This does put life in perspective for the rest of us regarding forum netiquette and politics.

MartinW wrote: Thanks for the link and the updates. Australia certainly has its fair share of problems from Mother Nature; if it isn't bush fires as currently, then its previously been flooding on the Coast of Queensland and typhoons/tornadoes around the coastline to WA on a regular basis, too.

Tough country, tough nation!

Edit to say: This does put life in perspective for the rest of us regarding forum netiquette and politics.

And most importantly cold beer, seafood on the BBQ and some of the best wine in the world........ :woohoo: