City
Epaper

3 killed as more than 70 bushfires rage in Australia

By IANS | Updated: November 10, 2019 13:10 IST

More than 70 bushfires continued to burn across two states in Australia on Sunday, where at least three people have been killed and four were missing, despite the efforts of around 1,300 firefighters.

Open in App

The wildfires have mainly affected the New South Wales (NSW) state, where fire services warned of dangerous conditions on Monday and Tuesday as temperatures climbed and strong winds were expected, reports Efe news.

Authorities have urged residents of the affected region to prepare for the possibility of evacuation.

The fires have destroyed 150 houses and at least 30 people have been injured.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who visited an evacuation centre on Sunday, praised the resilience of the affected people and the firefighters' efforts, announcing economic measures to help those displaced by the fires.

Morrison had warned on Saturday that the number of casualties could increase further.

The government is considering deploying military personnel for helping in efforts to douse the fires, which have also affected the neighbouring state of Queensland.

Between July 1 to November 5, around 574,727 hectares of land - the size of Luxembourg - was burned in Australian bushfires, already exceeding the area consumed by blazes in the previous two seasons put together.

The fire season in Australia varies by area and weather conditions, although it usually occurs during the southern summer (December-March).

The worst fires in the Oceanic country in recent decades occurred in early February, 2009 in the state of Victoria, causing 173 deaths and leaving 414 injured while burning an area of 4,500 sq.km.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: Scott MorrisonaustraliaIansNew South WalesQueensland
Open in App

Related Stories

CricketMitchell Starc Retires: Australian Fast Bowler Announces T20I Exit, Says 'Best Way Forward'

InternationalAustralia Shooting: Two Police Officers Killed, One Injured in Porepunkah; Town on Lockdown

MumbaiMumbai: Police Register Case Against Man for Cyberstalking and Blackmailing 23-Year-Old Student in Australia

MumbaiMumbai Shocker: Fake Account in Mother’s Name Used to Blackmail Young Woman in Australia, Case Registered

Social ViralAustralia: Meteor Lights Up Skies Over Victoria; Residents Describe ‘Sonic Boom’ (Watch)

International Realted Stories

InternationalFinland President's speech at UN echoes India's demand for seat at UNSC

InternationalNamibia launches Sustainable Finance Alliance to boost climate resilience

InternationalPakistan govt admits floods to worsen inflation, disrupt food supply chains

InternationalChina escalates military threats against Taiwan

InternationalHeavy rainfall warning issued in Nepal as monsoon intensifies