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Australia mourns bushfire victims Australia mourns bushfire victims
(30 minutes later)
Australia is observing a day of mourning for the victims of bushfires which swept across the state of Victoria, claiming more than 200 lives.Australia is observing a day of mourning for the victims of bushfires which swept across the state of Victoria, claiming more than 200 lives.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is leading a ceremony of remembrance in the state's capital, Melbourne.Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is leading a ceremony of remembrance in the state's capital, Melbourne.
Many had to be bussed into the city from small towns and villages stricken by the fires, having lost their cars as well as their homes to the flames.Many had to be bussed into the city from small towns and villages stricken by the fires, having lost their cars as well as their homes to the flames.
Firemen continue to battle fresh blazes and some bodies are still to be found.Firemen continue to battle fresh blazes and some bodies are still to be found.
At least 209 people died in fires that swept through Victoria on 7 February, which has become known as Black Saturday. At least 209 people died in the worst bushfires in Australia's living memory, sweeping through Victoria on 7 February - a day that has become known as Black Saturday.
Australia has launched its biggest-ever arson investigation into the causes of the fires.Australia has launched its biggest-ever arson investigation into the causes of the fires.
One man has already been charged with starting one of the blazes and police suspect arson in at least one other case.One man has already been charged with starting one of the blazes and police suspect arson in at least one other case.
Nation in mourningNation in mourning
The national day of mourning began with the ringing of church bells across Victoria. Today we are united in grief, but we are also united in our determination to recover, to rebuild, and we will rebuild Victoria Premier John BrumbyThe national day of mourning began with the ringing of church bells across Victoria. Today we are united in grief, but we are also united in our determination to recover, to rebuild, and we will rebuild Victoria Premier John Brumby
The mourning service at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena is being attended by Princess Anne, on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II, as well as Australian dignitaries and both fire survivors and rescue personnel.The mourning service at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena is being attended by Princess Anne, on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II, as well as Australian dignitaries and both fire survivors and rescue personnel.
Bushfire survivors and volunteers have been given priority seating at the event. Many among the 50,000 gathered in the arena were wearing the distinctive yellow overalls of Australia's firefighters.
Victoria Premier John Brumby told around 50,000 people gathered in the arena that Australians were picking up the pieces after the worst disaster in the nation's history. Victoria Premier John Brumby told the mourners that Australians were picking up the pieces after the worst disaster in the nation's history.
"Today we are united in grief, but we are also united in our determination to recover, to rebuild, and we will rebuild," he said."Today we are united in grief, but we are also united in our determination to recover, to rebuild, and we will rebuild," he said.
"And we will remember today and into the future all of those who lost their lives, and who gave so much on Black Saturday.""And we will remember today and into the future all of those who lost their lives, and who gave so much on Black Saturday."
High temperatures forecastHigh temperatures forecast
Choirs from around Victoria are among those providing music for the ceremony.Australia has launched its biggest ever arson investigation into the fires Princess Anne paid tribute to those caught up in the tragedy.
The 90-minute event is due to finish with a minute's silence and a message of hope from Mr Rudd. "Individuals and towns have responded with resilience, ingenuity, courage and selflessness to situations that were changing at terrifying speed," she said. Australia has launched its biggest ever arson investigation into the fires
"People from around Australia and across the world watched in horror but with admiration at their response. "
The ceremony, which has included performances by choirs from across Victoria, is due to finish with a minute's silence and a message of hope from Mr Rudd.
Afterwards, Princess Anne is due to visit the bushfires Incident Emergency Control Centre in Melbourne before a visit on Monday to some of the fire-devastated areas.Afterwards, Princess Anne is due to visit the bushfires Incident Emergency Control Centre in Melbourne before a visit on Monday to some of the fire-devastated areas.
The blazes destroyed hundreds of properties and left thousands of people homeless.The blazes destroyed hundreds of properties and left thousands of people homeless.
Forecasters warn that high temperatures and wind conditions expected on Monday could worsen the situation.Forecasters warn that high temperatures and wind conditions expected on Monday could worsen the situation.