The aftermath

This photo from news.com.au shows a neighbourhood destroyed.

There are over 130 dead, 800 homes destroyed, 333,000 hectares burned and up to a third of the entire state charred. There is talk of any arsonists being charged with mass murder.

Our 100 firefighters are on the way. You can also donated to the Red Cross appeal – either direct to Australian Red Cross or through NZ Red Cross. I’ve just donated A$100. One can donate online at either site or to donate NZ$20 just call 0900 33 200. Red Cross never deduct any admin costs from targeted donations, so every cent you give will go on actual relief.

So far more than $1 million an hour is being donated. Isn’t that magnificent. But it is such a terrible tragedy. The death toll alone is awful, but the manner of death, the property damage, the impact on the whole country just compounds it.

The Murdoch owned News Ltd has donated one million dollars to the relief, as have AMP, Telstra, Woolworths and most of the banks.