Prayer for Wild Fires in Australia
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Om Sri Sai Ram.
Wildfires have turned southeast Australia into a charred, apocalyptic nightmare, and threaten to wipe out entire species of animals. The current situation is on a scale never experienced before, causing enormous loss of life and property. It is reported that nearly half a billion animals in Australia’s New South Wales state have been killed by raging wildfires in the last couple of months, and the devastating death toll is expected to rise. Many mammals, birds and reptiles have been severely affected. As of now, it is reported that 23 people have died. The fire has burned more than 5 million hectares, an area larger than many countries, and destroyed more than 1,300 homes, as of now. The government agencies and people of Australia are working hard to control these wildfires, but it will difficult without rainfall.
I have been in contact with Mr. Krishnan Nair, Chair, Zone 3 as well as Mr. Albert Barelds, Chair, SSSIO Humanitarian Relief Committee to assess the situation and help, as warranted. In consultation with the authorities, the SSSIO of Australia is assisting with contributions, as requested, to support emergency services, procure essentials goods, and assist local businesses which have been impacted.
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has told us that sincere prayer is one of the most effective ways to assuage the grief and suffering of victims of natural disasters. Let us all pray together to Swami to shower His divine blessings on our brothers and sisters as well as the animals, birds, reptiles, plants and other species afflicted by these natural disasters in Australia. Let us also pray to Bhagawan to bless Australia with much-needed rain to quench the fires.
We will keep you updated with new developments, including how you can participate in the relief efforts.
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Jai Sai Ram.
With loving regards,
Narendranath Reddy, M.D.
Chairman
Sri Sathya Sai International Organisation (SSSIO)