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Kevin Rudd - Source: Reuters -
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Hell has visited the people of Victoria, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said after touring some of the fire zones where at least 66 people have been killed.
Rudd pledged the army would join efforts to overcome the bushfires, adding that special welfare payments would be made available to those in need.
"Hell and all its fury has visited the good people of Victoria in the last 24 hours," he told reporters in the fire-ravaged Yarra Valley.
"Many good people now lie dead. Many others lie injured.
"This is an appalling tragedy for Victoria but because of that it's an appalling tragedy for the nation," he said.
Rudd said that in response to a request from Victorian Premier John Brumby, the army would offer equipment including heavy bulldozers, temporary accommodation and bedding.
The prime minister also said special welfare payments of $1,000 per adult and $400 per child would be made available via Centrelink for those in need because of the fires.
"All the resources as required by the Victorian authorities from the Australian Defence Force will be provided, wherever that is, whichever community it is, whatever the defence force can do, we will do," Rudd said.
"Some of the people I have met today have escaped, as you know, with just the shirts on their backs. They have got no money. They have got no clothes for tomorrow," he said.
Rudd paid homage to everyone who helped out in the fire fighting efforts, describing them as heroes.
"I think people who have been through this are in a state worse than any of us can ever imagine," Rudd told Network Ten.
"I think the first response of any human being ... is simple empathy, you know: `there but for the grace of god go I'."
He said two new funds had been set up to help communities recover from the fires.
"Together with the premier of Victoria, we've launched an immediate community recovery fund with $10 million in it, $5 million from each government," Rudd said.
"For the community at large we have also launched a Victorian bushfires appeal fund ... Both governments will kick that off with $2 million apiece, and you can donate through your local bank as well," he said.
