Australian PM declares a day of mourning.

[ColbertWatcher]

The fires have been devastating.


The death toll for humans is fast approaching 200; for wildlife the number is so large it is almost unfathomable (Click here if you really want to know)


Day the nation mourns
February 12, 2009 - 3:08PM

(...)
The federal government will provide support to the Victorian government to assist with organising both the national day of mourning and the remembrance service.

Further details will be announced soon, Mr Rudd said.

"It is important, it is very important that the nation grieves," Mr Rudd said.

Mr Rudd said the government was in regular contact with the Insurance Council of Australia to ensure all claims made by bushfire victims were processed quickly. (more)

--Sydney Morning Herald

To donate to the Red Cross, click here, to donate to help the wild animals, click here.

[depakid]

1. Coles supermarket chain is giving all it's profits on Friday to the bushfire victims

Westpac bank was doing a drive at its branches today as well.

[ColbertWatcher]

2. Good to know. Thank you for posting. n/t

[ZombieHorde]

3. K&R

[orleans]

4. wow--what a heartbreaking picture (the bottom one)

i didn't "click here"

i don't want to know.

[sandyj999]

5. Unwisely I did and you really don't. n/t

[SammyWinstonJack]

6. I wish I hadn't.

:cry:

[ColbertWatcher]

7. Actually considering the link...

... that picture isn't as bad as it could be.

It's kinda heartwarming, the koala was saved and is rehabilitating as we type.