Australia is currently experiencing the most devastating bushfires ever experienced in modern history. Over 14.6 million acres of land around the country has been ravaged by this disaster with many people dead and over 2,500 buildings destroyed, leaving thousands without homes and livelihoods. It has also been estimated that more than 480 million animals have been killed as these fires burn through an area over 16 times larger than the wildfires that ravaged Brazil in 2019.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha held prayer assemblies at its centers around Australia praying for a rapid end to the deadly bushfires and recovery of the communities impacted by this tragedy.
In India, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, spiritual leader of the BAPS, has also offered his personal prayers and turned the rosary for all victims and their families. He continues to pray for rains in Australia to help control the fires and provide respite for those impacted by and fighting the fires.
Furthermore, the BAPS community in Australia has assisted the relief efforts by distributing food for volunteer firefighters through the respective state and federal government disaster management agencies. BAPS volunteers have served more than 1,000 hot meals to frontline volunteers fighting the fire and are further mobilizing support across Australia.
In addition, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha will also contribute over $27,000 through its bushfire appeals to aid in the relief and support efforts for the communities and families affected. All BAPS centers around the country will continue to collect and accept donations for further support in the coming weeks and months.
Hon. Jing Lee, Assistant Minister to Premier of South Australia, praised the dedication and the hard work of BAPS in raising funds for the State Emergency Relief Fund in South Australia.