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Fatal bushfires sweep across south-east Australia
One person has died and over 300 homes and buildings have been destroyed as bushfires continue to devastate parts of south-east Australia, authorities confirmed on Sunday.
Scale of destruction
The fires, burning for several days across Victoria and New South Wales, have scorched an area nearly twice the size of Greater London. As of 08:00 local time (23:00 GMT Saturday), approximately 350,000 hectares had been consumed by flames, according to Victoria's Premier, Jacinta Allan.
Allan reported 30 active fires in the state, with ten posing significant threats to communities. She warned that the crisis was far from over, stating, "We will see fires continue for some time across the state, and we are not through the worst of this by a long way."
Emergency response and evacuations
A state of emergency has been declared in Victoria, where thousands of firefighters and more than 70 aircraft are battling the blazes. Residents in over a dozen communities have been urged to evacuate as fires threaten homes and property.
Human remains were discovered in the village of Gobur, near Longwood, about 110km north of Melbourne. Police have not yet identified the victim. Premier Allan paid tribute to emergency workers, acknowledging the emotional toll of their efforts. "The Gobur community is grieving," she said.
Dangerous conditions fuel crisis
Authorities attribute the intensity of the fires to extreme heat, dry vegetation, and strong winds. Forecasters warn that the blazes could persist for weeks, with no immediate relief in sight.
Air quality has deteriorated across Victoria, including in metropolitan Melbourne, due to thick bushfire smoke. Officials describe the current fires as the worst since the 2019-2020 disaster, which killed 33 people and destroyed an area the size of Turkey.
Personal stories of loss
In the central highlands town of Harcourt, firefighter Tyrone Rice lost his home while battling the flames. "It was like a kick in the guts," he told Australian media. "But I'm not the first person to go through it, and I won't be the last."
Local fire captain Andrew Wilson described the destruction in Harcourt as "gut-wrenching." A reporter for 9 News, Jack Ward, who visited several affected towns, called the damage "catastrophic," noting that in many areas, "all that's left of these houses is a tin roof lying on the ground."
