Thank you D'Arcy and everyone else who has emailed me! All of us are OK, as we live a fair way from the firestorm area. The total death tally is now at 84 confirmed dead, with more expected to be found once fire investigators can access homes and properties.
This is the worst natural disaster in Australian history.
A cool change is expected later tonight, however the firefighters are dreading the inevitable high winds that will preceed this change.
I have heard that Lissy Verity (organiser of the 2009 Tom Quilty) is safe and well, and has had her family and all horses evacuated. She doesn't know the status of her home as yet, but hopes all will be OK to return to within a day or so.
Date: Sat, 7 Feb 2009 21:41:36 -0800 Subject: Re: [RC] Fires in Australia From: cest.mon.virage@xxxxxxxxx To: splendacrest@xxxxxxxxxxx CC: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dear Jay,
Please let everyone know that our hearts and prayers go out to you all. Please give my best to Kim, Jane, and all of your wonderful helpers. Be safe my dear friend.
Just an update on the fires in the state of Victoria, Australia:
Massive fire fronts, 26 people confirmed dead with death toll of up to 40 expected. Loss of property in lots of little towns throughout the state, with a couple of towns totally wiped out.
Fires in the Bunyip Forest and Tonimbuck areas (site of the 2009 Tom Quilty Gold Cup to be held in September) could cause problems!
Meanwhile, massive flooding in the north of the state of Queensland... pretty ironic. My farm is situated in between the two... so I'm very safe and relatively cool and dry.
