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Aussies Mourn Fire Victims

Fires bared worst of nature, best of humanity, says prime minister

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 22, 2009 7:45 AM CST

(Newser) – As bells tolled, mourners throughout Australia prayed at services today for the 209 people killed in wildfires and those still missing, CNN reports. “House is gone, friends are gone. This is total destruction,” said one resident. Rescue teams continue to search through the devastation as firefighters still battled blazes in some areas and prepared for more possible flames in a coming heat wave.

“As a people, we weep for the lost," said Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in a televised memorial. "We tend the injured. We console the suffering. And yet, our work has barely begun. What we saw on Black Saturday, what we saw at work was the worst of nature, yet the best of humanity.”

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, seen on the big screens, speaks at a national Day of Mourning ceremony in Melbourne today for those killed in the Victorian wildfires. (AP Photo/Ian Currie, Pool)

Victoria State Premier John Brumby, left, and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd face the wreath during a memorial service in Melbourne. (AP Photo/Ian Currie, Pool)

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd embraces a woman after the memorial service in Melbourne today for the victims of the devastating Victoria wildfires. (AP Photo/Ian Currie, Pool)

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Aussies Mourn Fire Victims

Fires bared worst of nature, best of humanity, says prime minister

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Aussie Toll Hits 171; PM Cites 'Mass Murder'

Small town declared crime scene as devastation continues

Australia Grieves for Sam the Koala

Rescued animal was symbol of strength after devastating wildfires

Healing Koalas Steal Hearts

She holds hands with her rescuer in moving video

108 Dead in Aussie Fires

Blazes destroy entire towns, continue to burn

International Leaders Pledge $1B to Back Libyan Rebels

Gadhafi regime close to exit: officials

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Australia • wildfires • Kevin Rudd • disaster • mourning

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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More Newser Stories

Aussie Toll Hits 171; PM Cites 'Mass Murder'

Small town declared crime scene as devastation continues

Australia Grieves for Sam the Koala

Rescued animal was symbol of strength after devastating wildfires

Healing Koalas Steal Hearts

She holds hands with her rescuer in moving video

108 Dead in Aussie Fires

Blazes destroy entire towns, continue to burn

International Leaders Pledge $1B to Back Libyan Rebels

Gadhafi regime close to exit: officials

About Us

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Newser By Users

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