Roommates, we are sending our prayers out to those in Australia that are currently being affected by the intensifying fires that are spreading across the region. The local military is currently working to help evacuate residents before conditions worsen on by Saturday.
According to CNN, the army, navy and air force are working with local authorities on emergency response. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) sent out naval vessels to the town of Mallacoota, in Victoria state where thousands of people have left their homes for safety. The ADF said that more than 960 will be evacuated to Western Port, south of Melbourne, on Friday.
Daniel Andrews, the state’s premier warned residents to evacuate, saying, “we cannot guarantee your safety.”
Residents in New South Wales were also urged to evacuate. Some towns have reportedly burned to the ground, at least 1,365 homes have been destroyed and more than 500 damaged.
The New South Wales Rural Fire Service says it’s forecasted that the town of Batlow will be affected Saturday and “will not be defendable.” Meteorologists are predicting really dry, hot, and windy weather, which will cause the fires to spread faster.
There were reportedly seven people killed between Monday and Tuesday, and a total of 18 people that have passed away across Australia during the fire season.
Aside from the naval vessels that were sent out, the ADF has also provided aircrafts for air evacuations and water bombing. The army is also on the ground to help firefighters as well.
According to CBS News, at least half a billion plants and animals have been killed as a result of the fires.
We are keeping Australia in our prayers, and we’ll continue to keep you updated.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/03/australia/australia-fire-town-evacuation-intl-hnk/index.html
