BERWICK, N.S. — Anita Ayling is heartsick as raging wildfires torment the creatures and land that she’s fallen for time and time again.
“The more I explore Australia, the more I love it. The native animals and their habitats are truly special,” said Ayling via email Wednesday.
“The stunning landscapes and plants are seemingly endless. It is an incredibly diverse and amazing country, both in terms of its people and its nature.”
Jan. 9, Reuters reported that Australia’s recent bushfires have ravaged 10.3 million hectares of land, likening that size to South Korea.
The international news agency has also reported that 27 deaths have been linked to the blazes so far this fire season, according to Australia’s federal government.
“The common thread is that most of us feel helpless and are scared for Australia as a whole.” – Anita Ayling
In Australia, The Sydney Morning Herald reported Jan. 8 that scientists fear the number of animals killed as a result of the bushfires will be in the billions.
Ayling, originally from Berwick in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, lives in a suburb of Melbourne. She estimates that the closest large fires to her are about a few hundred kilometres from her home in Elwood, Victoria.
Even still, her neighbourhood must heed air quality alerts as hazardous smoke haze blankets the major cities.
“I am constantly thinking about the disaster and how many people and animals are affected,” she said.
“I am also consistently worrying about how they will get them under control with very little rain forecast and extreme temperatures. It’s such a large-scale crisis that it’s difficult to wrap my head around and understand ‘what’s next.’”
And there are times, like now, when she has no time for mincing her words.
“Fires are… a part of nature and Australia has fires regularly. Fires like these aren’t exactly a shock and were predicted years ago,” she said. “There are, of course, climate change deniers, but I am not one of them.”
Unrest and unease loom as humans continue to grapple with the forces of nature.
“I am a part of, or hear, endless conversations on the train or at work, all about the fires and the devastation that doesn’t have an end date. People talk about the firefighters (fire-ees as they say here), the civilians, the homes, the countless animals, the beautiful land and, of course, all of the politics surrounding the issue,” said Ayling.
“Everyone seems to have an opinion, but the common thread is that most of us feel helpless and are scared for Australia as a whole.”
She said knowing that fires are burning in every state – to the extent that activity is visible from space – is incredibly overwhelming.
“The fact that you can smell it in our air even though we’re very far from the fires shows how intense they must be. Feeling helpless weighs heavy on my heart. I have donated what I can, but am seeking out other avenues to make an impact.”
It’s been heartwarming to watch residents rally together to pool time, money and skills in response to the tragic circumstances unfolding throughout the country.
But there is more to be done.
And they can’t do it alone.
Ayling hopes people from near and far will do what they can to help Australia contend with the ongoing state of chaos, and the devastating outcomes that will inevitably persist in the wake of the fires.
“The current state of Australia is actually as awful as the media is making it out to be… get in contact with people who live here before you start worrying about their safety,” she said. “Also, don’t forget there are ways you can help from afar.”
The music therapist moved to Australia about a year ago. It offered a healthy work-life balance for her life with her partner, who also enjoys the outdoors.
They spent the Christmas holidays camping and hiking throughout the state of Victoria, soaking in the serenity.
Ayling is well aware of the magnitude of the disaster with no end date.
“It still feels surreal.”
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