AUSTRALIA’S DRIEST SUMMER ON RECORD

Fall was an unusually mild season for us in Oregon. It is sad to think that half a world away, another country was experiencing extremely hot temperatures at the end of its spring season, creating harsh climate conditions. This would then spark what has become a national emergency, one now felt by the entire world.

Australia has been experiencing catastrophic wildfires that started in September. This is the driest it has ever been, on record, for that country. Lightning, and human actions/arson have started the fires that have covered all six of its states. High winds, close to 80 mph, along with the dry conditions, has fueled the fires that have burned at least 10 million acres total and continue to grow.

On Jan. 10, a 1.5-million acre “megafire” was created as two “bushfires” (as they’re called) merged in the southeast region of Australia. When the flames have gotten big enough, they have even created their own weather systems, including lightning from those systems that have started even more fires. This just now being the peak of Australia’s summer means it could be months before any relief.

 Sadly, at least 28 people have died and an estimated 2,000 homes have been destroyed, to date. Thousands of residents have been displaced and many also have been left without power. Hospitals have had to resort to using power generators, too.

What’s more, an estimated 1 billion animals are believed to have perished, unable to escape the flames, including at least 8,000 koalas. The traumatic loss has several species facing extinction, some experts fear.  

Recent reports count some 2,700 firefighters working the front lines. More than 100 firefighters from the U.S., including 17 from Washington and Oregon, have gone to assist in their effort. Many others in the community (locally, and worldwide) have created efforts in helping the firefighters, as well. Websites have been created to help the thousands of residents displaced and connect them with temporary housing, such as Find-a-Bed and Helping Homes.  

The toll on Australia’s wildlife has been stunning, but we should not be completely discouraged. Professor Corey Bradshaw of Flinders University said of the massive bushfires, “We are constantly surprised how recovery happens quickly after a fire and how many animals survive.” Leaving hope for the devastated countryside, propagation and rescue efforts have also been put into play for the loss of native plants and suffering wildlife that may not be able to recover on its own. 

On a related note a rally was held at Sydney Town Hall on Jan. 10 calling for more aggressive action on climate change in Australia. The country’s prime minister, Scott Morrison, is also said to be creating better policies for disaster management relief.   

Meantime, let us hope for relief, milder weather and rain for Australia.

If you would like to donate or like to know ways to help the effort in Australia, there are several options. You can contact the World Wildlife Fund and The Australian Red Cross. There also are options to donate directly to New South Wales Rural Fire Service, Country Fire Service Foundation and Country Fire Authority. (Warning: Do be sure to do ample research and make sure places/websites are accredited before donating.)