ID :
44933
Tue, 02/10/2009 - 11:39
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/44933
The shortlink copeid
Death toll from Australia bushfires tops 170+
SYDNEY, Feb. 9 Kyodo -
(EDS: FIXING HEADLINE)
The death toll from the devastating bushfires that are sweeping through
Australia's southeastern state of Victoria has risen to 171, local police said
Monday.
Victoria police commissioner Christine Nixon told a news conference that there
are signs that fires were deliberately set in some localities and police are
investigating for suspected arson.
A spokesman for the Department of Human Services said numerous people have been
treated at hospitals around the state.
On Monday, around 4,000 firefighters were deployed to fight 31 blazes that
continued to threaten dozens of communities in regional Victoria, particularly
the northeastern region of the state.
The Country Fire Authority confirmed that 3,300 square kilometers have been
burned throughout the state.
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced a A$10 million (about US$6.7
million) assistance package to help victims of what has been described as the
worst natural disaster in Australian history.
Rudd has sent 200 Australian defense personnel to help with logistical support,
emergency relief and fire containment measures.
''The challenge for us all is not just to extend the hand of friendship and
support, and that is so necessary as people deal with the pure physical and
psychological trauma of having been through hell, but it's also now action,''
Rudd told reporters.
''That's why we have deployed the army, that's why we will be deploying every
possible resource, the federal government in partnership with the state
government, to deal with what is still an unfolding crisis,'' he added.
Rudd urged Australians and big business to ''dig deep'' to help contribute to
rebuilding the communities which have been left devastated.
''It's not just the next day or two, it's the next year or two, the rebuilding
of these communities,'' Rudd told local television.
The head of Victoria's police force announced Monday that all regions affected
by the fires were now being treated as crime scenes to determine whether some
fires were deliberately lit by arsonists.
Rudd expressed shock at speculation that the bushfires, which have left so many
dead, had been deliberately lit.
''What do you say about anyone like that? There are no words to describe it
other than mass murder,'' a visibly shaken Rudd said.
The previous deadliest fires in Australia were in 1983, when blazes killed 75
people.
==Kyodo
2009-02-09 23:59:24
(EDS: FIXING HEADLINE)
The death toll from the devastating bushfires that are sweeping through
Australia's southeastern state of Victoria has risen to 171, local police said
Monday.
Victoria police commissioner Christine Nixon told a news conference that there
are signs that fires were deliberately set in some localities and police are
investigating for suspected arson.
A spokesman for the Department of Human Services said numerous people have been
treated at hospitals around the state.
On Monday, around 4,000 firefighters were deployed to fight 31 blazes that
continued to threaten dozens of communities in regional Victoria, particularly
the northeastern region of the state.
The Country Fire Authority confirmed that 3,300 square kilometers have been
burned throughout the state.
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced a A$10 million (about US$6.7
million) assistance package to help victims of what has been described as the
worst natural disaster in Australian history.
Rudd has sent 200 Australian defense personnel to help with logistical support,
emergency relief and fire containment measures.
''The challenge for us all is not just to extend the hand of friendship and
support, and that is so necessary as people deal with the pure physical and
psychological trauma of having been through hell, but it's also now action,''
Rudd told reporters.
''That's why we have deployed the army, that's why we will be deploying every
possible resource, the federal government in partnership with the state
government, to deal with what is still an unfolding crisis,'' he added.
Rudd urged Australians and big business to ''dig deep'' to help contribute to
rebuilding the communities which have been left devastated.
''It's not just the next day or two, it's the next year or two, the rebuilding
of these communities,'' Rudd told local television.
The head of Victoria's police force announced Monday that all regions affected
by the fires were now being treated as crime scenes to determine whether some
fires were deliberately lit by arsonists.
Rudd expressed shock at speculation that the bushfires, which have left so many
dead, had been deliberately lit.
''What do you say about anyone like that? There are no words to describe it
other than mass murder,'' a visibly shaken Rudd said.
The previous deadliest fires in Australia were in 1983, when blazes killed 75
people.
==Kyodo
2009-02-09 23:59:24
