04/05/16 - A Day to go Down in Canadian History
Despite the fact that I am not from Fort McMurray (Alberta, Canada), but rather from a neighbouring province, I was unable to get any sleep last night due to the fact that I was too busy worrying myself sick about how the citizens of this city and surrounding areas must be feeling right now.
If you are not already aware, the entire city of Fort McMurray is currently evacuated due to blazing, horrendous wild fires. Blazes are moving quickly, leaving several of the 80 000+ citizens without homes. Authorities say that today (Wednesday) is only going to be worse.
Homes are being lost, buildings are burning to the ground, gas stations are quickly being run dry, wildlife is dying, and the fires are spreading with every passing second due to the winds and high temperatures.
Fortunately enough, however, no casualties have been reported, and it seems as though everyone has been safely evacuated from the city at this time.
Things are not looking very good for Fort McMurray, and it breaks my heart to know that so many helpless civilians and animals will be left without homes, food, clothing, possessions, and much more. The disastrous effects caused to this major oil industry city are only beginning, and its civilians can do nothing more than to hope and pray that they will be able to return home sometime soon.
If you can and are in Canada, please, text REDCROSS to 30333 to donate five dollars to help with the fires. If you are from outside of Canada and would like to donate, please click on this link. If you cannot donate, please, do reblog this post so that others who might be able to help might see it.
The Albertan city of Fort McMurray is in serious need right now of not only rain, but of thoughts and prayers, as well. Please, as you go on about your day today, take a moment to even do so much as message a victim of the blazing flames via social media, reassuring them that everything will be okay, or by spreading awareness of the current situation, if possible.
And for those of you who are directly affected by the wild fires who might be reading this right now, please, do know that although things might never be able to go back to how they once were, you will be able to return, and you will be able to continue to live your life with happiness and ease. It is going to take some time, but as long as you keep on keeping on, I can promise you that everything will be okay.
You are not alone in this, Fort McMurray. Stay safe, and stay strong! <3
For more information, feel free to check out some of the following links:
Here are some updated news articles (05/05/16):