Victorian bushfire update

The bushfires in Victoria, Australia, have caused massive loss of life, and loss of property.

The death toll has risen rapidly through the night, with the latest confirmed total of 173 expected to increase throughout the day.

Nearly 1,000 homes have been destroyed. Tragedy and heartbreak is everywhere with entire towns having been totally destroyed.

The public announcement prepared and released last night on the WIA website by WICEN Secretary Mark Dods VK3XMU has brought forward a excellent response.

WICEN (Wireless Institute Civil Emergency Network) greatly appreciate the many offers of help, all offers are being recorded and Radio Amateurs are being contacted and deployed as required.

WICEN are requesting that offers be made by email rather than phone to ensure our phone lines are kept free for urgent traffic.

http://www.wia.org.au/newsevents/news/2009/
20090210-1/index.php

WICEN activated for bushfires