Η Australia lives one of the most difficult periods in its history. The flames are burning the forests of almost the whole country, human lives have been lost, countless animals have been burned and the images of destruction are shocking.
These fires came in the hottest time of the year (summer in the southern hemisphere), while the country is coming from a period of drought, which has helped the fire to spread rapidly.
The smoke has reached as far as South America, while large urban centers such as Sydney have long been in a cloud of poison.
Australia is one of the largest countries in the world geographically and thousands Hellenes They have been living there for many years, having become part of this land, which they love and feel as their second home, finding a "paradise" for themselves and their families.
Newsbeast.gr got in touch with Pantelis Ellinas who was born in Sydney, grew up in Kalymnos and returned permanently to Australia 3,5 years ago, telling us what is happening in the largest city in the country which has been affected by the deadly fires.
"The fires in Australia it is not something new and will not be a thing of the past once this untold tragedy of the last two months is over ", Pantelis Ellinas initially tells us and continues:" 2019 was one of the most difficult years in the history of Australia, as the few rains brought drought which was one of the main causes so that the fiery flame spread in record time, with the results we all saw ".
When did you realize that things are out of control?
"The great evil for us started at the end of November, when we learned about the first fires of our summer, although I do not think we paid the required attention since none of us could expect what would follow.
After all, we are talking about a state mechanism that works around the clock and gives a lot of weight to such events and has dealt with fires and strong hurricanes. So we believed that in a few days the danger would be a thing of the past.
Due to the great drought, which exists and in combination with the very high temperatures, in many parts of the country, many fires were created that spread in record time. "As a result, about a month ago, many of these fronts came together and created huge areas of fire that burned everything in their path."
How is the situation now?
"It simply came to our notice then created what they call here "Mega Fire". An area the size of Switzerland, while there were almost 300 other fires. At the same time, there were phenomena that created fire tornadoes. Scary only in thought ".
How much has Sydney been affected by the fires?
"The smoke from the fires reached very quickly Sydney, as hearths are about one to two hours away from the city, with the result that for several weeks now the smell of burnt has been a daily phenomenon for the citizens of the city.
Everyday life became more difficult with the government warning how cities affected by smoke are at the top of the world in terms of air pollution.
In fact, with campaigns in the media, they prevented the world from circulating, especially children and the elderly ".
What measures have been taken in the city and what decisions has the government taken?
"Any form of fire was banned. For example, the barbecue in the yard of your house.
At the same time, due to the drought, water reserves fell below 50% and the government was forced to announce measures.
It is forbidden to wash your car, it is forbidden to water your plants or to wash your yard, while in case the water consumption of your house exceeds the allowed limit, there is a fine».
A city with millions of inhabitants under a toxic cloud, scientists have reported. What are the current temperatures in Sydney and what precautions are you taking for the cloud?
"It is summer here and we are very hot. The temperature at intervals reaches 40 degrees, so with the cloud the situation becomes even more difficult.
"On the street you will see many people wearing masks so that they do not inhale the poison, who have to move to go to work."
How do citizens react to this disaster?
"The world has been in turmoil lately when Prime Minister Scott Morrison decided to go on vacation to Hawaii in the midst of the crisis.
Vacation he had to interrupt badly when there was a huge wave of disapproval, as the country was in a state of emergency and he was missing. Where do you go when your "house" burns down?
There was even disapproval of his decision to have regular sparklers in the change of time and to spend hundreds of millions for them, at a time when the country was burning ".
What actions are there from the common people who want to help?
"The response of the people is incredible, with many going as volunteers in the great battle with the flames. In fact, some of them lost their lives and were honored as heroes for Australia.
Money is also offered. Everyone gives what they can even $ 1 to help. More than $ 120 million has been raised so far for the devastated areas, and the prime minister has already said that more than 2 billion will be given to reforest and help people who have lost their property».
Shocking images of Australian wildlife are shocking. Koalas, kangaroos, rare birds, etc. trying to escape the flames and many of them were burned alive;
"It is heartbreaking. Nearly 1 billion animals have died indirectly or directly from fires. One-third of koalas have died, and experts believe that certain species have become extinct.
I think you all saw the specific photos on the internet in Greece, with charred animals. It really's so sad that Australians we work with in the face of these lost souls, they cried like children.
I consider its size ecological disaster we will find out later, not only because the fire is still burning and the risk of further destruction still exists, but also because I do not believe that the human mind can still understand that half the country was burned. A paradise turned to ashes. It's scary".
How much has tourism affected the city of Sydney?
"In the tourism sector there has not been a very big reduction, I would say. People from abroad come to Sydney, with the difference that you see them circulating in masks.
But the big difference is in domestic tourism and I mean residents of big cities like Melbourne and Sydney, who usually travel to the South at certain times of the year and specifically to burned areas, with the government asking people not to travel. to there.
"Besides, so far there have been many evacuations of areas that are very close to the fires."
The ecological catastrophe is huge, human lives have been lost, animals have suffered and been charred. How will the country recover when this tragedy comes to an end?
"All you can do is get up on your feet, measure your wounds and try to keep going. Just as I believe Australia will do. It is a wonderful country that burned, but will be reborn through its ashes. That is the only solution. "
The photos above were sent to newsbeast.gr by Pantelis Ellinas, who works in a cooperating company with the Municipality of Sydney for the maintenance of the city center.