Sad Times

This week is one where Australia is in Mourning.  As of 8am today, 173 people have died in bushfires in Victoria, Australia.  More bodies are expected to be found and at least 10 of the many injured are expected to die. It is likely that the count will rise to above 200.  200 people dead. That's just mind numbing.  At least 2 towns have been completely decimated. The people who lived there have absolutely nothing to go back to.  No schools, no jobs, no home.  

 What we had in November with the storms, was considered to be a disaster.  But compared to this, it was no disaster, merely a shock and inconvenience.  No one in The Gap died.  most people have homes to live in and although many are still damaged, they can be repaired.  Those who's homes need to be rebuilt have family and friends in the area that they can live with.  People here still have jobs to go to and their kids can still attend school.  We can still keep a sense of normality.  The people down in Victoria can't do this, and won't be able to do this for a long time. 

On top of the bushfires in Victoria, there is another disaster zone in Australia.  That is in North and Far North Queensland.  From fire down south, we go to Floods and rain up north. Whole towns have been cut off, roads are damaged, property and livestock are lost.  But as yet, even this disaster is not anywhere near as bad as the conditions in Victoria.  Often, things can be salvaged after a flood.  Clothes and some other things can be washed and dried to be worn again. Metal and glass objects can be cleaned and re-used.  Houses can often be moved back into and fairly easily be repaired.  As yet, no-one has died as a direct consequence of the floods. 

I guess what has really got to me with all of this, is that it was predicted.  It was predicted years ago, that within the decade we would get this type of thing happening because of Climate Change.  Climate change would cause extra hot and long summers, dry in drier areas and super wet in the tropics.  We were warned that there would be floods, fire and higher king tides.  But people poo poo'd this notion.  Governments refused to act enough to prevent this from happening, because "we have to protect the economy" and they feared the public would backlash in the elections and "there is no proof that that will happen, it is only a theory".  

  Well guess what people?  The economy has gone to shit anyway and now we don't have the money to cope with these disasters. It wasn't just a theory - it is all happening.  In the last few months we have had the higher than average king tides, the floods, fires and destructive storms. Climate Change is here, it is affecting us now.  If the governments and big businesses actually had done all the right things back then, maybe we wouldn't be in this situation.  And even if these disasters still occured, maybe we might have better resources and ideas on how to deal with it. 

But let's not focus too much on the past.  Let's look to the future.  Let's us gather around and support those in need.  Let us look at what we can do to prevent these events from having such horrific impacts on us and campaign for a change in attitude.  

There is one good thing that has come out of all this - and that is the community spirit.  It is so wonderful to hear the stories of heroics, kindness and love for others, even strangers.  People are rallying to support the people affected.  Donations are flooding in.  Housing is being offered. People are getting to know each other again.  We are learning once again that neighbours, family and friends are so important.  Being involved in the community is rewarding and more important than just focusing on our jobs and our own lives.  People are starting to move away from the material and remembering the spirit.  Let's keep that going, even long after the fires have burnt out, floods have receded, grass grown back and houses have been built.  Let us remember that LOVE is the greatest healer and teacher of all.