By: Allison Almazan, Sophomore You’ve probably heard about the catastrophic wildfires in Australia, but how bad is it really? Well according to vox.com since September 17.9 million acres were burned, and it’s believed to be the country’s most catastrophic fire. The magnitude of the area affected by the fires is eight times the area that burned in the California wildfires in 2018, and that is 7 million more acres than burned in the Amazon rainforest last year. The magnitude of this cataclysm is worse than we imagine. Each year in Australia there is a fire season. The hot and dry weather of the summer makes it easy for the blazes to start and spread faster, but this year the conditions were severe. According to CNN, the hot and dry weather caused the fires to spread faster and creating more devastation. One of the most heartbreaking effects is the many animals have died in the horrendous wildfires. About half billion animals have been affected and millions likely dead. According to CNN, almost a third of koalas may have been killed and a third of their habitat has been destroyed. Other species like birds, mammals, and reptiles are being affected, too. Not only animals are affected, but also many people are being affected. According to NPR, in a recent article, at least 27 people have died due to the fires, including some firefighters. Entire towns have been converted into ashes, and many citizens have lost their homes. In addition, according to CNN the “heaviest structural damage” so far has been in NSW (New South Wales), the most populated state in Australia, where around 1,600 houses have been destroyed and over 700 damaged. The consequences of this catastrophe are horrible, but many people all around the world is trying to help. People are donating and even volunteering to go help. Many countries have offered assistance, like extra firefighters, helicopters, troops and money. There is a group of American firefighters who have gone to Australia. The LA Times stated that More than 100 U.S. firefighters, including dozens from California, have traveled to Australia over the last month to help combat the country's wildfires. According to CBS News, some ways you can help the people that have been affected is by donating funds, food, household items, and more. You can donate to a GoFundMededicated to displaced First Nations Communitiesthat need to rebuild. You can also donate food and other essentials using Givit. You can help the wildlife by donating toWIRES, this is a wildlife rescue nonprofit that is rescuing and taking care for thousands of animals that have been injured and affected by the fires. You can also donate to the other many organizations like World Wildlife Fund Australia, Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, or the RSPCA New South Wales. This horrific catastrophe has affected not only people, but also all the wildlife that lived there. There’re many countries supporting Australia and its citizens, and you can also support them by donating. Our hearts and prayers go to all the people suffering in Australia. Work CitedBbc.com “How the world has responded to the crisis” BBC News. Bbc.com.
January 8, 2020. Cnn.com Jessie Yeung “Australia’s deadly wildfires are showing no signs of stopping, Here’s what you need to know”CNN, Cnn.com. January 9, 2020. Npr.org “Australia Wildfires Have Claimed 25 Lives And Will Burn For Months, Officials Say” NPR Npr.org. January 6, 2020. Bbc.com “Australia fires: A visual guide to the bushfires crisis”BBC News Bbc.com. January 10, 2020. Abcnews.go.com Ginger Zee and Ella Torres “More than 1 billion animals estimated dead in Australia wildfires: Expert” ABC News. Abcnews.go.com. January 8, 2020. Vox.com Brian Resnick, Umair Irfan, and Sigal Samuel “8 things everyone should know about Australia’s wildfire disaster” Vox. Vox.com. January 13, 2020. Vox.com Umair Irfan “The viral false claim that nearly 200 arsonist are behind the Australia fires explained” Vox. Vox.com. January 9, 2020. Cbsnews.com Sophie Lewis “How to help victims of Australia’s apocalyptic wildfires” CBS News. Cbsnews.com. January 8, 2020
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Allison AlmazanAllison Almasan is a student at iPrep Academy. She loves to read books, dance, and listen to music. Her goal is to improve her writing skills and become a better writer. |