Authorities in Australia have declared a state of disaster in the country’s southeast due to severe bushfires that have destroyed homes and vast areas of forest in rural regions.
The state of Victoria, whose capital is Melbourne, is experiencing a heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F).
Strong, hot winds have created conditions favorable for wildfires, reminiscent of the catastrophic “Black Summer” fires that struck the region in late 2019 and early 2020.
One of the most intense fires has already consumed approximately 150,000 hectares near the town of Longwood, an area covered with native forests.
Victoria’s Premier, Jacinta Allan, announced the disaster declaration on Saturday, granting firefighters authority to carry out emergency evacuations.
“The priority is protecting the lives of Victorians,” Allan said. “This sends a clear message: if you are asked to leave, leave immediately.”
Authorities have confirmed the discovery of three missing people, including a child, as a result of one of the state’s fiercest fires.
Tim Webb, Victoria’s Emergency Management Director, reported that at least 130 structures, including homes, cabins, and other buildings, have been destroyed across the state.
He added that 10 major fires are still burning, many of which may continue “for days or even weeks.”
The worst-affected areas so far are sparsely populated rural regions, home to only a few hundred residents. Hundreds of firefighters from across Australia have been deployed to combat the blazes.
Researchers note that climate warming in Australia has increased by 1.51°C (2.7°F) since 1910, intensifying extreme weather patterns both on land and at sea.
The disaster declaration underscores the growing threat of climate-fueled bushfires in Australia, raising concerns about long-term preparedness and the impact on vulnerable communities.
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