Australia Wildfire 2019-2020
We all heard the tragedy that is happening in Australia. A lot of things was affected like buildings, homes, rain forest, people, and wildlife too. The bushfires that are ravaging Australian states of New South Wales and Victoria began in September 2019. So far, the blazes have killed 28 people, an estimated 480 million mammals, birds, and reptiles, 5,900 buildings (including over 2,204 homes), and scorched an area of about 10.7 million hectares as of January 9, 2020. The drought of 2017, 2018, and 2019 probably made a significant impact on the bushfires that have been happening these past few years and the current bushfire, which is the worst bushfires seen in decades. September to November 2019: Australia experiences its driest spring on record. This is the time where the bushfires started and ever since it has gotten worse. State and federal authorities are struggling to contain the massive blazes, even with firefighting assistance from other countries, including the United States.
In the New South Wales state, 132 fires were still burning as of early Friday, around 55 of which were uncontrolled.
November 8 to 10, 2019: Three people die in fires in Queensland and New South Wales.
November 11, 2019: A state of emergency is declared in New South Wales and Queensland.
December 8, 2019: For the first time ever, US firefighters are deployed to Australia, but even though with extra reinforcements from various countries, the fire still grows. Many countries have committed to help Australia as it fights massive blazes that have ravaged through the country for months. But while a state of emergency was declared in New South Wales at the end of December, the country has still not officially called for international aid. As Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been heavily criticised for his management of the crisis, many countries have begun offering extra personnel to help.
December 18, 2019: Australia experiences its hottest day in history, with average temperatures reaching 105.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
December 21, 2019: A bushfire in the East Gippsland region of Victoria begins creating its own weather. The smoke generates clouds that produce thunderstorms, ultimately leading to more fires. Natural causes are to blame most of the time, like lightning strikes in drought-affected forests. Dry lightning was responsible for starting a number of fires in Victoria's East Gippsland region in late December, which then traveled more than 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) in just five hours, according to state agency Victoria Emergency.
December 28, 2019: Thousands are told to evacuate East Gippsland as the fire danger zone spreads.
December 30, 2019: Major roads close in East Gippsland, reportedly trapping the residents and visitors who didn't evacuate earlier. Which is horrible because tourist and families forced to stay in dangerous areas and couldn't leave to safe places.
January 1, 2020: Out of necessity, Australia opens 15 South Coast bushfire evacuation centers.
Our thoughts are with you all the way from Youthline. Our prayers and hopes are with the people, firefighters, and wildlife who are affected by this wildfire. That you will remain strong and fight this horrible calamity you are experiencing. We urge you to pray and give support for the families that were affected, the firefighters who are battling this fire and the wildlife. If you search “Australia Wildfire” in google and scroll down you can see a donation box if you want to help even just a little goes a long way, for the families and wildlifes that were affected by this calamity.