A major bushfire in the Australian state of Victoria has already devastated 11,000 hectares. More than 2,000 people are on the run. Strong winds make it difficult to fight the flames.
A bushfire continues to spread in the Australian state of Victoria. A rural region not far from the city of Ballarat, northwest of Melbourne, is affected.
More than 2,000 people are on the run. At least one house was destroyed, but authorities expect more extensive damage. The fire has already devastated 11,000 hectares of land.
Around 1,000 firefighters, hundreds of fire engines and four large tanker aircraft are fighting the flames. The cause of the bush fire is unclear. High temperatures and strong winds quickly pushed the fire front forward on Thursday.
The temperatures have now fallen, but because the winds do not let up, the fire brigades are expecting a difficult fight against the flames. People unable to flee have been asked to seek shelter in houses.
Columns of smoke rise above the bushfire – strong winds make it difficult to fight the flames in the state of Victoria.
Jennifer Johnston, ARD Singapore, tagesschau, February 23, 2024 6:44 a.m