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Released 9 February 2009
SALVATION ARMY RESPONDS TO AUSTRALIAN BUSHFIRES
Salvation Army personnel in Australia are providing vital assistance
to emergency service workers and residents affected by fast-moving bushfires that
have killed a record number of people in the southeastern State of Victoria. In the last two days, more than
225 volunteers have worked alongside emergency crews in devastated communities to
provide for the physical needs and emotional support of workers and residents in
shock from the enormity of the disaster.
The fires have claimed at least 171 lives with the toll expected to rise as
emergency teams gain access to more areas. Dozens of towns are still under
threat as fires continue to burn out of control. Hundreds of local firefighters
were joined by 150 from New
South Wales and 92
from Tasmania; reinforcements from New Zealand are expected to arrive soon. In 1983, the Ash Wednesday
bushfires killed 75 people in Victoria and South
Australia, while the
Black Friday bushfires of 1939 killed 71.
The Salvation Army is providing emergency accommodations,
clothing, toiletries and other goods, plus supplying food and refreshments for
firefighters and bushfire survivors. The outpouring of support from
individuals, communities and businesses for Salvation Army relief efforts has
been overwhelming.
The Salvation Army Overdale Rural Rehabilitation Center in
Kilmore was razed to the ground by one of the fires, along with vehicles,
equipment and medications. Residents had been evacuated on Saturday afternoon
and were not harmed.
The coming days are expected to be critical; it’s anticipated
the fires may take several days to control and extinguish. The Salvation Army
will move towards the recovery phase in the next few days, working with
affected communities to help people rebuild their lives.
Monetary donations earmarked
“Disaster Relief” may be sent to your local Salvation Army, made online at
www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
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