Melbourne is a beautiful cosmopolitan city in the south east of Australia, in the State of Victoria.
The days before I was due to travel there, an unusual heat-wave of temperatures of +42° C were recorded. This, coupled with extremely dry conditions, (parts of Victoria has been in a drought for 10 years), triggered some massive, hot and fast moving fires which destroyed many homes and resulted in hundreds of tragic deaths, both human and animal. Whole towns were destroyed. Thousands are homeless.
I arrived in the state the day after. The temperatures had subsided but there was smoke in the air. The mood not only statewide but nationwide was somber and emotional. Typical of the generous spirit of Australians, everyone was involved in helping the victims in whatever way they could. To gauge the emotional connectedness of the people, you only have to watch the Prime Minister break down in tears, overcome with emotion during his address to the nation.
I was due to travel to Shepparton, north of Melbourne by train later in the week. All trains were cancelled due to damage of the rail ties and bridges. We were bussed up there through some of the worst hit areas.
Quite sobering. Its February 24th and still the fires burn
Below are some pictures.
No cations needed.
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