I think you guys don't see it too much as it's Australia, a long way from anywhere and reasonably unimportant in the grand scheme of things. Still, I think the word is getting out. I'm watching it now (hate the news services though) and it's all going pretty badly over there at the moment.
17 people still missing, Airforce evacuating thousands in Victoria, State of emergency declared in New South Wales, Arm deployed in NSW...Not going well and very hot temps on the way again tomorrow. 42 degrees here for instance.
Having a little preparation is better than none...It's common sense really, or at least I think so.