Australian PM Opens Military Bases for Fire Survivors

YEA, Australia-With the death toll expected to rise and the prime minister saying it's "important,very important that the nation grieves," Australia prepared to observe an official day of mourning for the scores of people killed by wildfires last weekend.Prime Minister Kevin Rudd also ordered that military bases be opened to house some of the more than 5,000 people who lost their homes in Saturday's blazes.At least 181 people have been killed, but officials say the death toll could exceed 200."In recognition of the terrible events of the past few days, I announce to the House that today the Victorian premier and I have agreed that there will be a national day of mourning and a national service of mourning for the victims of the Victorian bush fires," Rudd told Parliament.The date has not yet been chosen."It is important, it is very important that the nation grieves,"Rudd said. Compounding the sorrow for some families is that the coroner's office for the state of Victoria has not released the bodies of their loved ones for funerals, and an official said the wait could take up to two weeks.Victoria Police Chief Christine Nixon told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. that the coroner's office was just starting to collect information, including forensic samples, from families to identify the bodies.Officials have said some victims were burned beyond recognition. State coroner Jennifer Coate has said the work could still take a week or two, Nixon told ABC, adding,"It's a long and slow process as we work our way through the so many people who have died."The Victoria government said next-of-kin of anyone killed in the fire would receive a compassion and bereavement payment of about $6,500 toward funeral expenses.Residents have been allowed back into some towns but others are still sealed off for the grim task of collecting bodies from collapsed buildings and to prevent residents from disturbing potential crime scenes if arson was suspected.Teams are still searching Marysville, where authorities said there could be 50 to 100 deaths in the town that once had a population of about 550.The Australian Defence Force bases that have been opened can accommodate up to 2,000 people, including meals, Rudd said.The fires destroyed more than 1,000 houses and burned 1,100 square miles of land....
By TANALEE SMITH, Associated Press Writer
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As in the days of Noah...