City
Epaper

Death toll from Australian bushfires reach 4

By IANS | Updated: November 14, 2019 11:10 IST

The death toll from the devastating fires in eastern Australia has risen to four as firefighters raced against the clock on Thursday to contain the blazes ahead of the weekend when conditions were expected to worsen.

Open in App

New South Wales Police reported in a statement that a body was found on Wednesday night in burnt-out bushland near the city of Kempsey, located on the north coast of the state, reports Efe news.

"It's believed to be the body of a 58-year-old man who lived in a shed nearby," police said

The four dead have been found in recent days in the central and northern coast of New South Wales, the area most affected by the bushfires that have injured more than 100 people and razed some 300 buildings in an area of more than 11,000 sq.km.

New South Wales' Rural Fire Service said Thursday morning there were about 60 fires active, with 30 of them uncontained in the state where some 1,200 firefighters tried to mitigate the flames in the face of worsening conditions, such as rising temperatures and wind.

Dozens of fires also burn in the neighbouring state of Queensland and authorities have ordered evacuation in towns such as Noosa North Shore and Woodgate.

In Western Australia, almost 20 fires are burning in the territory, which is rich in mineral and hydrocarbon resources and where temperatures over 35 degrees Celsius are expected.

The fire season in Australia varies by area and weather conditions although they are generally recorded in the southern summer (between the months of December to March).

In recent years, forest fires in Australia - which this year has also suffered a severe drought - have increased in intensity and many experts link it to the effects of climate change.

( With inputs from IANS )

Open in App

Related Stories

Business'Festive booster': Centre releases tax devolution of Rs 1,01,603 crore to state govts

NationalKhadi lives on: Weavers of UP’s Mahoba carry forward Gandhi’s vision

AurangabadFunding won’t be a hurdle in WALMI’s development

National'Festive booster': Centre releases tax devolution of Rs 1,01,603 crore to state govts

Aurangabad“Declare hailstorm as drought, provide complete loan waiver,” demands MLA Rohit Pawar

International Realted Stories

InternationalPoK leader Shaukat Mir compares Pakistan’s army to ‘witch bent on killing people’

InternationalPoJK, Gilgit-Baltistan activists highlight Pakistan's human rights violations at UNHRC session in Geneva

InternationalBangladesh: EC directs NCP to choose symbol from official list amid demand for 'Shapla'

InternationalBangladesh: Law Advisor Nazrul says no possibility of lifting ban on Awami League activities

InternationalBangladesh power vacuum exploited by opportunistic forces: Report