WORRIED Islanders with relatives and friends who live near Melbourne in Australia have been trying to get news of their loved ones.
This morning the death toll had risen to 173 as firefighters continued to battle with fires across the state of Victoria.
Among those with family and friends in Jersey, Mike Howell and Rob Galway are safe and well and currently together in the coastal resort of Ocean Grove.
Mr Howell, who is now a married father of three boys, used to work for Standard Bank Stockbrokers before he and Mr Galway left the Island some years ago to start a cycle ride from Jersey to China.
Mr Howell said that his wife Monica’s brother, Julian Carsam, was a member of the volunteer fire-fighting force which has been tackling blazes in the state.
• Picture: Safe in Australia: Mike Howell and Rob Galway
