In 2020, it feels like we’ve reached a new level of tension. Nearly everyone’s talking about the possibility of World War Three breaking out. Meanwhile, Australia’s still on fire, with devastating consequences.
To show you just how serious the situation is, Bored Panda collected a list of images that prove that things are absolutely terrifying in the Land Down Under. Scroll down and let us know in the comments which images of the Australian bushfires left their mark on you. And if you’re currently in Australia, dear Pandas, let us know what the situation is like and stay safe.
When you’re done with this post, have a read through Bored Panda’s other articles about the Australian fires. Including about a hero dog who finds koalas who survived the bushfires, how the Irwin family already helped 90,000 animals, as well as a historian’s explanation of what’s going on in the country right now.
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The Australian bushfires devastated the country and its ecosystem, leaving around half-a-billion animals dead. Meanwhile, around 14 million acres (21,875 square miles) of land is scorched, and hundreds of thousands of Australians have been displaced. It’s a disaster of end-of-the-world proportions.
We’re often told that the Great Wall of China is the only man-made structure to be seen from space. However, the bushfires in Australia are so extensive that even satellites orbiting the Earth can spot the smoke and flames.
You can donate towards disaster relief and recovery efforts like the Red Cross, St Vincent de Paul Society, and the Trustee for NSW Rural Fire Service & Brigades Donations Fund to make a change and to help Australians affected by the bushfires.
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This is a picture of my Dad getting 5 mins sleep on our front lawn, while my brother keeps watch over the fire burning at the top of our farm after he finished his 10th 12 hr+ day in a row fighting voluntarily in the community with the RFS NSW.
My family have been fighting these fires on our farm and our community nonstop for over a month. They are tired, they are sore, and they are running out of resources.
Today I heard my Dad cry, he said “Jen I have never seen anything like this, it’s never ending”
We still have over 50 days of summer left we aren’t even half way and there is currently no end in sight.
Please don’t become numb to what’s happening. Don’t get caught up in the negativity, the politics, the facebook news, the drama!
Australia is on fire and there are brave people all over the country VOLUNTARILY fighting day in, day out to keep our lives and homes safe.
These firefighters need our support more than ever!
This should be our one and only focus.
To all of the people helping directly and indirectly around the country Thank you! To everyone else don’t forget to donate what you can to your charity of choice, every little bit will help! This is far from over!
To my family, I can not express how proud I am of you all! I love you and am forever thankful
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But what are the other effects that the calamity has had? Well, for one, Australians are becoming jaded with their government and showing their anger. 20-year-old Zoey Salucci McDermott refusing to take prime minister Scott Morrison’s hand perfectly encapsulates the country’s anger. “I’ll only shake your hand if you give more funding to the Rural Fire Service,” she said.
Meanwhile, the transport minister in New South Wales, Andrew Constance, told the media that “this is not a bush fire. It’s an atomic bomb.”
But there is a silver lining to the smoky clouds rising over the Land Down Under: the bushfires are bringing out the best in some Australians. People are showing what they’re worth by helping out their neighbors, rescuing animals, and doing what they can to stop the fires from spreading further.
Image credits: Martin Von Stoll
Balmattum hill is really glowing tonight, however not as much as all of our incredible & selfless emergency services. Thank you
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In fact, the entire world’s reacting to the situation as best as it can. People from half-a-world away are donating what they can to help the people of Australia. While even celebrities are taking steps to secure funding for firefighters.
For instance, comedian Celeste Barber raised 24 million Australian dollarydoos (nearly 17 million US dollars) for the New South Wales Rural Fire Service. The best female tennis player on Earth, Ashleigh Barty, promised to donate her Brisbane International prize money winnings worth 250,000 US dollars. The event starts Monday. US singer Pink and actress Nicole Kidman both pledged 500,000 dollars to Australian fire services.
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Image credits: DANIEL KNOX/HORSLEY PARK RURAL FIRE BRIGADE
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After logging 776 hours of firefighting in the last ten weeks. No end in sight. New fires keep starting. Another four months of the fire season. Trucks literally being worked to death 24/7. Equipment breakages. Crew injuries. Fresh untrained crew needing guidance. Logistic nightmares. Missed meals. Etc.
I finally have 48 hours where I’m not permitted on a fireground. It’s bliss. My body isn’t coping with the comedown though. Headache, nausea, shakes.
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Source: boredpanda.com