Sydney-based Pinoy on Australia bushfires: 'Parang post-apocalyptic na yung feel'

The air quality in Australia has become “unbearable” due to the bushfires that have been ravaging the country for months, a Filipino living in Sydney said Monday.

Interviewed on Balitanghali, Mario Urrutia said the weather has become “hazy,” forcing people to wear masks whenever they go outdoors.

“Karamihan sa 'min ang nagma-mask na paglabas ng bahay kasi hindi na bearable ang air quality dito. There are times talaga na parang post-apocalyptic na ‘yung feel dito sa Sydney dahil sa lala ng weather condition,” he said.

Urrutia said the fires are around 50 to 100 kilometers away from Sydney, but there have been fears about the bushfires eventually making their way to Australia’s biggest city. 

The Philippine Embassy in Canberra earlier assured that they are closely monitoring the situation of Filipinos in Australia. 

Urrutia said that despite the fears over the bushfires, many Filipinos in Australia have expressed willingness to volunteer to the Rural Fire Services or donate to those affected.

“‘Yung spirit pa rin na pagiging matulungin ng mga Pilipino, doon lumalabas sa mga gano’ng bagay,” he said.

He also allayed concerns of Filipinos who have relatives in Australia.

“Nasa mabuting lagay naman po kami dito sa Australia. Bagama't may ilan tayong kababayang nag-evacuate na dahil sa panganib sa kanilang lugar, marami pa rin sa 'min 'yung safe dito,” he said. —Julia Marie Ornedo/KBK, GMA News