Thursday, January 16, 2020

Fire relief

"[U]ncontrolled bushfires have claimed at least 25 lives, between $3.5 and $7 billion dollars (US) in property damage, and nearly a billion animals." Australia is suffering horrible losses of lives, homes, property.



The Prime Minister of Australia, who probably now regrets taking a vacation early in the fire, has set aside over a billion dollars (US) to fight the fires and fund the recovery. New Zealand, the UK, Canada and America have pledged to help, and one hundred American firefighters came.

Churches are involved in the crisis. This author's home church, Hillsong, has raised a million dollars (US) and is providing food to firefighters and those evacuated while coordinating with Salvation Army. The Anglican diocese of Sydney, Billy Graham organization, and Scripture Union are giving help.

At least two different narratives are offering explanation for the fires. One blames climate change, one blames poor forest management due to unwise regulations.

And then there's the evil of arson.  "Nearly 200 people throughout Australia have been arrested for acting to start or fuel fires since late last year. What are their motives?"

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