Australia is experiencing one of the worst fire seasons in decades. The lack of rain in recent months, coupled with other environmental factors, has led to a devastating blaze that is raging across much of the country.
The world has already united in support, with the U.S. and Canada deploying firefighters to assist with the blazes. But officials from the state of New South Wales and other parts of Australia fear the fires could continue to rage for the coming months, according to BBC News.
Already, the wildfires have killed at least 25 people, destroyed thousands of homes and some experts are estimating as many as 480 million animals could die. Air quality is also a major concern.
Here is a list of local and national organizations bringing their resources together to support Australia.
Australia is home to a diverse wildlife population and these fires have not spared their home. According to the WWF organization, which works to protect endangered species and habitats, approximately 2,000 koalas in the New South Wales and Victoria region have already died in the fires, and with experts stating the fires will continue, the organization fears the “outlook for the next few days is not looking good.” The organization, which works out of Australia and within other Asia-Pacific regions to help protect endangered species and habitats, is asking for donations to help care for the injured wildlife and restore their homes.
The Australian Red Cross is accepting donations for its Disaster Relief and Recovery fund, as well as volunteer support for the bushfire response and recovery team. The organization, according to the New York Times, has dispatched approximately 1,285 staff members and volunteers to communities affected by the recent wildfires.
Support Australian Firefighters’ Families
The New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS), the leading firefighting agency in Australia, created a dedicated bank account for the families of Samuel McPaul, Geoffrey Keaton and Andrew O’Dwyer, firefighters who lost their lives during this bushfire season. The agency also has a NSW Rural Fire Service and Brigades Donations Fund to support their general firefighting efforts. For more updated information about major fires, along with evacuation instructions and other fire survival plans, visit the NSW Rural Fire Service website.
Disaster Appeal from the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has been “activated,” according to the organization, in several parts of Australia, providing meals and support to evacuees and other frontline responders. The Salvation Army teams have been working in New South Wales, South Australia, the Northern Territory of Australia and other regions. Donations made to the organization will go “toward ongoing care and support in the aftermath of the emergency.”
