Australian fires have shocked the world as approximately 12 million acres, and counting has burnt down.
The Australia fires grew more severe amidst a heatwave that saw Australia record its hottest day and simultaneously driest spring on record.
Since September 2019, the Australia fires have killed at least 23 people. While dozens of people are still reported missing, and some 1,500 homes have already been lost this fire season.
Temperatures currently surpassed 40C (104F) in parts of south-east Australia as the fires continue to ravage through homes and land.
Meteorologists say a climate system in the Indian Ocean, known as the dipole, is the main driver behind the extreme heat in Australia.
However, many parts of Australia have been in drought conditions, some for years, which have made it easier for the fires to spread and grow.
Notably, the Australia fire standout in size when compared to the wildfire that has broken out in recent times, such as the California wildfires of 2018 and 2019 fires in the Amazon rainforest.
Conditions eased in Victoria and New South Wales on Sunday after temperatures and wind speeds dropped, and some light rain fell. But authorities warned that the danger was far from over.
Australians are raising donations on social media; a number of celebrities have donated money to support the fire fighting effort. Among them include US singer Pink and Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman, who pledged $500,000, respectively.
A further statement by Nicole on the bushfires in Australia: “Our family’s support, thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the fires all over Australia. We are donating $500,000 to the Rural Fire Services who are all doing and giving so much right now.” pic.twitter.com/nipQFWJ62p
— Nicole Kidman Fans (@NKidmanFans) January 5, 2020
However, many are lamenting that private citizens were raising funds they said should have been put in place by the government.
Nearly 200 fires are still burning across the country, with every state and territory affected. More than 1,200 homes have been destroyed, and millions of hectares of land scorched.
PM Scott Morrison tackling the Australia fires
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has warned that devastating Australia fires currently raging in the country might go on for months. He has faced fierce criticism over the speed of his response to the crisis.
PM Morrison has announced the creation of a recovery agency to help those who have lost homes and businesses in the fires.
The Prime Minister has also declared that over 3,000 reserve troops will be deployed to help tackle raging Australia fires across the country.
Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said this is the first time this had happened in Australia’s history.
She noted that A$20m (£10m) had been allocated by the prime minister to lease four water bomber planes, which the defense force bases would provide temporary accommodation.
The Royals send condolences
Queen Elizabeth on Sunday said the fires deeply saddened her and thanked the emergency services who put their own lives in danger to help communities.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh also sent a message of condolence expressing thanks to emergency services.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said they were shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of life.
Prince William and Catherine said:
We send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives, and the brave firemen who continue to risk their own lives to save the lives of others.
While Prince Harry and Meghan urged support for fundraisers for those affected by the Australia fires crisis.
Denial and social barriers prevented an early solution
Prof. Stephen William, a James Cook University ecologist, while talking to fourth generation graziers west of Townsville a few years ago, noted that social barrier is a problem as they were not prepared to admit climate change as a fact.
The majority of people are still in denial that the effects of regional climate patterns are real and happening fast and decision making even by government agencies was hindered by the same doublemindedness.
