Black Saturday. Flashcards
When were the ‘Black Saturday’ wildfires?
February 2009
What area did they effect?
The State of Victoria, Australia
What previous conditions had made the area ripe for wildfires?
10 years of drought. Recent temperatures had exceeded 40 degrees Celsius. Also strong winds.
How many were killed?
173 (further 400 wounded).
How many businesses were destroyed?
60
what was the cost of the disaster?
AUS $4 billion
Approximately how much land was burned?
4,300 km2
How many firefighters responded?
20,000
How much was donated to aid the rebuilding process?
AUS $400million
What was believed to be the cause of the fires?
Faulty power lines.
What was done about the faulty power lines?[
Removed and replaced on a large scale.
What policy was dropped after the fires?
The ‘Stay or Go’ policy.
What were the long-term responses to the disaster?
Early warning systems and shelters introduced.
From which direction were the winds blowing?
From the interior of the country, brought drier conditions.
How many heads of cattle were lost?
12,000
