4 March in history: Charlie Chaplin knighted, rebellion at Castle Hill and more

Australian supermarket shelves are being stripped of supplies due to coronavirus concerns. Toilet paper, hand sanitizers, even face masks are among the items most in demand. Watch the video for more information:

Covid-19 fears fuel panic buying, Empty shelves in Sydney, Tokyo supermarkets

The Reserve Bank of Australia has cut official interest rates to a new record low of 0.5% due to the “significant effect” of the coronavirus outbreak on the Australian economy and has signalled it is prepared to cut further if needed.

Australia cuts rates to record low amid coronavirus concerns | Covid -19

People around the world are changing their habits at work, home and at the place of&nbsp;worship as well to reduce the risk of contracting the new coronavirus and prevent it from spreading any further.

They are refusing handshakes, and are avoiding hugging. Instead, they are looking for alternatives such as&nbsp;fist bumps&nbsp;or&nbsp;a hand gesture.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/1500-new-cases-of-coronavirus-outside-of-china-who-283848">1,500 new cases of coronavirus outside of China: WHO</a>

In Beijing, the capital of the country where the outbreak began, red hoardings tell people not to shake hands but to join their own hands together in a sign of greeting.

In Iran, where 66 people have been killed by the virus,&nbsp;the footshake is becoming famous as the new handshake.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-team-arrives-as-death-toll-in-coronavirus-climbs-to-66-in-iran-283841">UN team arrives as death toll in coronavirus climbs to 66 in Iran</a>

New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard urged Australians to kiss with caution and suggested a pat on the back instead of a handshake.

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Newly adopted greetings for Corona instead of a handshake <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/corona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#corona</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Manchester?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Manchester</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronaVirusUpdate?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronaVirusUpdate</a> <a href="https://t.co/1sjYz8y3TK">pic.twitter.com/1sjYz8y3TK</a>
— VIMTO 🍷 (@visitorsin) <a href="https://twitter.com/visitorsin/status/1234044111088476161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In France, newspapers are&nbsp;advising people&nbsp;on to replace kissing on the cheek and handshaking with&nbsp;looking into a person's eyes can suffice as a greeting.

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Check out the new anti-corona handshake ! <a href="https://t.co/n27AYrUgcK">pic.twitter.com/n27AYrUgcK</a>
— Clive Sutton (@clivesutton) <a href="https://twitter.com/clivesutton/status/1234105456957808640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The United Arab Emirates, as well as Qatar, are advising citizens to stop the traditional "nose to nose" greeting.

The country also suggested&nbsp;that people shouldn't shake hands or kiss. Greet each other "by waving only", it said.

Coronavirus has killed more than 3,000&nbsp;&nbsp;and infected more than 89,000 globally.

&nbsp;

People around the world are changing their habits at work, home and at the place of worship as well to reduce the risk of contracting the new coronavirus and prevent it from spreading any further.

People around the world are changing their habits at work, home and at the place of worship as well to reduce the risk of contracting the new coronavirus and prevent it from spreading any further. They are refusing handshakes, and are avoiding hugging. Instead, they are looking for alternatives such as fist bumps or a hand gesture. Also read: 1,500 new cases of coronavirus outside of China: WHO In Beijing, the capital of the country where the outbreak began, red hoardings tell people not to shake hands but to join their own hands together in a sign of greeting. In Iran, where 66 people have been killed by the virus, the footshake is becoming famous as the new handshake. Also read: UN team arrives as death toll in coronavirus climbs to 66 in Iran New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard urged Australians to kiss with caution and suggested a pat on the back instead of a handshake. Newly adopted greetings for Corona instead of a handshake #corona #Manchester #CoronaVirusUpdate pic.twitter.com/1sjYz8y3TK — VIMTO 🍷 (@visitorsin) March 1, 2020 × In France, newspapers are advising people on to replace kissing on the cheek and handshaking with looking into a person's eyes can suffice as a greeting. Check out the new anti-corona handshake ! pic.twitter.com/n27AYrUgcK — Clive Sutton (@clivesutton) March 1, 2020 × The United Arab Emirates, as well as Qatar, are advising citizens to stop the traditional "nose to nose" greeting. The country also suggested that people shouldn't shake hands or kiss. Greet each other "by waving only", it said. Coronavirus has killed more than 3,000 and infected more than 89,000 globally.

Handshake? No thanks! Coronavirus changes global habits

Australian winters shrink by three weeks, summers now more longer Australian summers have become, on average, 31 days longer in Australia's capital cities, and in regional areas that number is even higher, according to a new report.

Australian winters shrink by three weeks, summers now more longer

After recent rains, the dam on Kevin Tongue's property near Tamworth in New South Wales is more than three metres deep. Looking back to 2018, the dam had been empty for months during one of the worst droughts on record, decimating his wheat and barley crop.

From bone-dry to lush greenery, rainfall brings respite for Australian farmer

A nine-year-old Australian boy who gained massive support after his video describing his struggles from bullying went viral, will donate hundreds-of-thousands of dollars in donations to charity. &nbsp;

Quaden Bayles, a week ago, was seen crying and repeatedly saying to his mother who was recording that video that he wanted to commit suicide after facing bullying at school. The video got massive support across the world, with people sympathising with the kid, including celebrities such as Australian actor Hugh Jackman and NBA player Enes Kanter. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Watch:

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A mother shared a video of her distraught son who faced bullying. The kid said he wants to die. 
Bullying in the digital age is a serious problem. But, there are few who are offering solutions to address it. <a href="https://twitter.com/palkisu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@palkisu</a> tells you why its time to have a conversation around bullying <a href="https://t.co/3aDlzQwcRc">pic.twitter.com/3aDlzQwcRc</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1230920874078818304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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US comedian Brad Williams started a GoFundMe page that eventually raised almost US$475,000 for sending Bayles and his mother to Disneyland.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hugh-jackman-mark-hamill-megyn-kelly-others-send-support-messages-to-schoolboy-who-was-bullied-281989">Hugh Jackman, Mark Hamill, Megyn Kelly &amp; others send support messages to schoolboy who was bullied</a>

However, his aunt told Australia's NITV News that the donations would be used for charities instead.

"What kid wouldn't want to go to Disneyland, especially if you have lived Quaden's life. To escape to anywhere that is fun that doesn't remind him of his day to day challenges," she was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

"But my sister said 'you know what, let's get back to the real issue'. This little fella has been bullied. How many suicides, black or white, in our society have happened due to bullying."

"We want the money to go to community organisations that really need it. They know what the money should be spent on, So as much as we want to go to Disneyland, I think our community would far off benefit from that."

Bayles also led the National Rugby League's Indigenous All Stars team on Saturday ahead of an exhibition match against the New Zealand Maoris. &nbsp;

In the bullying video that was watched more than a million times, Bayles' mother said: "This is what bullying does," &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Can you please educate your children, your families, your friends?"

(With AFP inputs) 
&nbsp;

A nine-year-old Australian boy who gained massive support after his video describing his struggles from bullying went viral, will donate hundreds-of-thousands of dollars in donations to charity.

A nine-year-old Australian boy who gained massive support after his video describing his struggles from bullying went viral, will donate hundreds-of-thousands of dollars in donations to charity. Quaden Bayles, a week ago, was seen crying and repeatedly saying to his mother who was recording that video that he wanted to commit suicide after facing bullying at school. The video got massive support across the world, with people sympathising with the kid, including celebrities such as Australian actor Hugh Jackman and NBA player Enes Kanter. Watch: A mother shared a video of her distraught son who faced bullying. The kid said he wants to die. Bullying in the digital age is a serious problem. But, there are few who are offering solutions to address it. @palkisu tells you why its time to have a conversation around bullying pic.twitter.com/3aDlzQwcRc — WION (@WIONews) February 21, 2020 × US comedian Brad Williams started a GoFundMe page that eventually raised almost US$475,000 for sending Bayles and his mother to Disneyland. Also read: Hugh Jackman, Mark Hamill, Megyn Kelly & others send support messages to schoolboy who was bullied However, his aunt told Australia's NITV News that the donations would be used for charities instead. "What kid wouldn't want to go to Disneyland, especially if you have lived Quaden's life. To escape to anywhere that is fun that doesn't remind him of his day to day challenges," she was quoted as saying. "But my sister said 'you know what, let's get back to the real issue'. This little fella has been bullied. How many suicides, black or white, in our society have happened due to bullying." "We want the money to go to community organisations that really need it. They know what the money should be spent on, So as much as we want to go to Disneyland, I think our community would far off benefit from that." Bayles also led the National Rugby League's Indigenous All Stars team on Saturday ahead of an exhibition match against the New Zealand Maoris. In the bullying video that was watched more than a million times, Bayles' mother said: "This is what bullying does," "Can you please educate your children, your families, your friends?" (With AFP inputs)

Australian boy, whose bullying video went viral to donate $475,000

This Swiss couple got married in Indian style. Their wedding took place in King Daksha Prajapati's city Kankhal in Haridwar, India. Not only this, they were also joined by their family and friends from Australia, Germany and Switzerland. This is setting an example, how couples around the globe are attracted towards Indian style weddings and are excited about Indian culture and Indian civilization.

Watch: How Indian wedding vows are attracting couples from all over the world

Australia set up a national inquiry Thursday into its month-long bushfire crisis that affected three in four Australians and prompted widespread criticism of the government for its sluggish response to the blazes.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the vast scale of the fires -- which killed more than 30 people and destroyed thousands of homes -- required a new response from the bushfire-prone nation.

The Royal Commission inquiry will be tasked with finding ways to improve Australia's preparedness, resilience and response to natural disasters, but has been criticised as an effort to put off tackling the problem.

Australia has seen dozens of inquests into the causes of bushfires and steps that could be taken to mitigate them, with mixed results.

Many measures from the dozens of inquests going back to the 1930s have still not been implemented.

The opposition Labor party accused Morrison of trying to "shift attention to the things that he thinks are politically convenient to talk about" rather than "actually fixing climate change and getting emissions under control."

Morrison said panel would be asked to consider establishing new powers for the federal government to declare a national state of emergency, which he argued would allow a faster response to fires.

The conservative leader, who was criticised for his sluggish reaction to the months-long crisis, has defended his actions by pointing to regulations requiring states to formally request federal assistance.

He claimed to have operated in a "constitutional grey zone" by deploying thousands of troops and reservists to assist in the bushfire recovery.

"We did that without clear rules," Morrison said.

The most recent crisis has sparked calls for Australia's conservative government to take immediate action on climate change, with street protests urging Morrison to reduce the country's reliance on coal.

The prime minister belatedly acknowledged the link between the bushfire disaster and a warming planet, but also made clear his government plans to focus on climate adaption and building resilience ahead of measures to cut emissions.

The inquiry will be led by former Air Force chief Mark Binskin, along with retired Federal Court judge Annabelle Bennett and environmental lawyer professor Andrew Macintosh.

Morrison said they would be required to report their findings by August 31, "so recommendations can be acted upon before our next bushfire season".

The most recent bushfire season began in early September, with the first deaths recorded a month later.

Australia set up a national inquiry Thursday into its month-long bushfire crisis that affected three in four Australians and prompted widespread criticism of the government for its sluggish response to the blazes.

Australia set up a national inquiry Thursday into its month-long bushfire crisis that affected three in four Australians and prompted widespread criticism of the government for its sluggish response to the blazes. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the vast scale of the fires -- which killed more than 30 people and destroyed thousands of homes -- required a new response from the bushfire-prone nation. The Royal Commission inquiry will be tasked with finding ways to improve Australia's preparedness, resilience and response to natural disasters, but has been criticised as an effort to put off tackling the problem. Australia has seen dozens of inquests into the causes of bushfires and steps that could be taken to mitigate them, with mixed results. Many measures from the dozens of inquests going back to the 1930s have still not been implemented. The opposition Labor party accused Morrison of trying to "shift attention to the things that he thinks are politically convenient to talk about" rather than "actually fixing climate change and getting emissions under control." Morrison said panel would be asked to consider establishing new powers for the federal government to declare a national state of emergency, which he argued would allow a faster response to fires. The conservative leader, who was criticised for his sluggish reaction to the months-long crisis, has defended his actions by pointing to regulations requiring states to formally request federal assistance. He claimed to have operated in a "constitutional grey zone" by deploying thousands of troops and reservists to assist in the bushfire recovery. "We did that without clear rules," Morrison said. The most recent crisis has sparked calls for Australia's conservative government to take immediate action on climate change, with street protests urging Morrison to reduce the country's reliance on coal. The prime minister belatedly acknowledged the link between the bushfire disaster and a warming planet, but also made clear his government plans to focus on climate adaption and building resilience ahead of measures to cut emissions. The inquiry will be led by former Air Force chief Mark Binskin, along with retired Federal Court judge Annabelle Bennett and environmental lawyer professor Andrew Macintosh. Morrison said they would be required to report their findings by August 31, "so recommendations can be acted upon before our next bushfire season". The most recent bushfire season began in early September, with the first deaths recorded a month later.

Australia launches national inquiry into bushfires

Indian women's cricket team will be looking forward to getting a maiden ICC trophy this year by winning the ICC T20 women's World Cup.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-t20-world-cup-can-indian-womens-cricket-team-repeat-an-83-281967" hreflang="en">ICC T20 World Cup: Can Indian women's cricket team repeat an '83?</a>

They face a mighty challenge to get to the knockout phase as they progress in the tournament. They have an on-going match with the ICC world number one and hosts Australia. Australians are favourite to lift the coveted trophy.&nbsp;

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It is time for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> opener 😎😎 
 
Let's get back behind <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> 🇮🇳🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/uuXdD1pEtr">pic.twitter.com/uuXdD1pEtr</a>
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Indian women's team's young guns such as Shafali Verma, Taniya Bhatia and Radha Yadav have been in an excellent form and India's in-form trio (Harmanpreet, Mandhana, Rodrigues) and that does not rule out the chances of winning.&nbsp;

Years Indian women's team has reached three ICC semifinals: 
1). 2009 
2). 2010 
3). 2018

Years Indian women's team crashed out early in the tournament:&nbsp; 
1). 2012 
2). 2014 
3). 2016

India's fixture:&nbsp; 
India vs Australia, February 21&nbsp; 
India vs Bangladesh, February 24&nbsp; 
India vs New Zealand, February 27&nbsp; 
India vs Sri Lanka, February 29

The tournament commences on February 21 and the finals will be played March 8 on Melbourne cricket ground.&nbsp;

Indian women's cricket team will be looking forward to getting a maiden ICC trophy this year by winning the ICC T20 women's World Cup. Also read: ICC T20 World Cup: Can Indian women's cricket team repeat an '83?

Indian women's cricket team will be looking forward to getting a maiden ICC trophy this year by winning the ICC T20 women's World Cup. Also read: ICC T20 World Cup: Can Indian women's cricket team repeat an '83? They face a mighty challenge to get to the knockout phase as they progress in the tournament. They have an on-going match with the ICC world number one and hosts Australia. Australians are favourite to lift the coveted trophy. It is time for the #T20WorldCup opener 😎😎 Let's get back behind #TeamIndia 🇮🇳🇮🇳 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/uuXdD1pEtr — BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) February 21, 2020 × Indian women's team's young guns such as Shafali Verma, Taniya Bhatia and Radha Yadav have been in an excellent form and India's in-form trio (Harmanpreet, Mandhana, Rodrigues) and that does not rule out the chances of winning. Years Indian women's team has reached three ICC semifinals: 1). 2009 2). 2010 3). 2018 Years Indian women's team crashed out early in the tournament: 1). 2012 2). 2014 3). 2016 India's fixture: India vs Australia, February 21 India vs Bangladesh, February 24 India vs New Zealand, February 27 India vs Sri Lanka, February 29 The tournament commences on February 21 and the finals will be played March 8 on Melbourne cricket ground.

Indian women's cricket team begins ICC World Cup campaign against Australia

The women's T20 World Cup begins this week in Australia, and it could be the most competitive tournament yet according to the host's skipper Meg Lanning.

Captains pose with T20 World Cup trophy, Lanning predicts competitive tournament

General Motors Co said that it will wind down sales, design and engineering operations in Australia and New Zealand and retire the Holden brand by 2021. Basically, It decides to retreat from more markets outside of the United States and China.

American General Motors decides to retreat from more markets outside of the US & China

Australia's "black summer" of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-prime-minister-scott-morrison-reshuffles-cabinet-after-coalition-partner-ructions-278993">devastating bushfires </a>is finally coming to a close, but bitter arguments over how to tackle climate-fuelled disasters are raging on.

When firefighters announced this week that all blazes in the hard-hit state of New South Wales were under control for the first time since September, the relief was palpable.

In other regions, a few fires are still being contained, but most Australians can finally abandon the grim rituals of the last half-year -- morning checks of smog monitors and "Fires Near Me" apps, deciding whether the kids can play outside, whether to flee or defend their homes.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-3-americans-killed-as-firefighting-plane-crashes-276159">Also read: Australia bushfires - 3 Americans killed as firefighting plane crashes</a>

But the after-effects will endure, and national soul searching has already begun.

"We know events like these can challenge the way we think about the world, undermine our perceptions of safety, and rupture social bonds," said disaster response expert Erin Smith.&nbsp;

Dozens of families have lost loved ones, thousands of homes and farms have been gutted, swathes of the east coast are scarred charcoal-black and millions have had their sense of security shaken.

"It will likely take years and a great deal of imagination for us to figure out where we go from here," said Smith.

The question of what is next for Australia is already being asked, most of all of political leaders, and it is being met mostly with finger-pointing and recrimination.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bezos-donates-three-minutes-of-his-day-amazon-ceo-slammed-for-australia-bushfires-donation-274227">Also read: 'Bezos donates three minutes of his day': Amazon CEO slammed for Australia bushfires donation</a>

'Heads above the parapet'

While scientists agree climate change created favourable conditions for the blazes, politicians of all stripes are acutely aware how sensitive the issue is in Australian politics.

In an arid nation whose economic strength is intimately tied to the mining and export of fossil fuels, at least four prime ministers have been ousted in part over their climate policies.

In recent weeks, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has seen his ruling conservative coalition threatened by members in rural constituencies demanding funding for more coal-fired power plants.

At the same time, the centrist wing of his party has criticised his climate targets as inadequate.

Meanwhile, rebel members of opposition Labor met secretly to steer the centre-left party's leadership toward a more overtly pro-coal stance.

The party's deputy leader awkwardly refused to rule out more coal subsidies, months after vowing they should end.

"They don't want to stick their heads above the parapet, at least when it comes to suggesting substantive policy," said Matt McDonald, an expert in climate politics from the University of Queensland.

One reason, he explained, is that while the hot and dry Australian continent is uniquely susceptible to the impact of climate change, it is also a world-beating source of coal.

Coal accounts for around 75 percent of Australia's electricity generation and exports of the fossil fuel are worth Aus$60 billion a year, the country's largest export after iron ore.&nbsp;

People in affluent suburbs may call for emissions cuts and green energy, but coal accounts for thousands of jobs in election-deciding districts of Queensland and New South Wales, and many more in the related aluminium smelting business.

Independent MP Zali Steggall -- a former barrister and Olympic medal-winning skier -- who ousted climate-sceptic former prime minister Tony Abbott from his Sydney seat at the last election, wants to take some heat out of the debate.

She has introduced a bill that would reduce Australia's carbon emissions to zero by 2050 and divert some contentious issues to an independent expert body.

"The debate has been very divisive," in part because of the blame game, Steggall told AFP. "There was a certain defensiveness in the early days of this debate because the finger was so squarely pointed at coal and fossil fuels."&nbsp;

"You have to think about a generation that worked really hard at building Australia's prosperity on fossil fuels. You have to be very careful in the debate about apportioning blame. It's not like it was done on purpose."

"It's about recognising and being thankful for that contribution, but acknowledging that we do need to evolve," she added. "We're all going to get there in the end."

With bushfires projected to get ever more deadly and the next season a little over six months away, the risk, Steggall says, is that politicians take so long to reach consensus "it will be too late to do anything".

Australia's "black summer" of devastating bushfires is finally coming to a close, but bitter arguments over how to tackle climate-fuelled disasters are raging on.

Australia's "black summer" of devastating bushfires is finally coming to a close, but bitter arguments over how to tackle climate-fuelled disasters are raging on. When firefighters announced this week that all blazes in the hard-hit state of New South Wales were under control for the first time since September, the relief was palpable. In other regions, a few fires are still being contained, but most Australians can finally abandon the grim rituals of the last half-year -- morning checks of smog monitors and "Fires Near Me" apps, deciding whether the kids can play outside, whether to flee or defend their homes. Also read: Australia bushfires - 3 Americans killed as firefighting plane crashes But the after-effects will endure, and national soul searching has already begun. "We know events like these can challenge the way we think about the world, undermine our perceptions of safety, and rupture social bonds," said disaster response expert Erin Smith. Dozens of families have lost loved ones, thousands of homes and farms have been gutted, swathes of the east coast are scarred charcoal-black and millions have had their sense of security shaken. "It will likely take years and a great deal of imagination for us to figure out where we go from here," said Smith. The question of what is next for Australia is already being asked, most of all of political leaders, and it is being met mostly with finger-pointing and recrimination. Also read: 'Bezos donates three minutes of his day': Amazon CEO slammed for Australia bushfires donation 'Heads above the parapet' While scientists agree climate change created favourable conditions for the blazes, politicians of all stripes are acutely aware how sensitive the issue is in Australian politics. In an arid nation whose economic strength is intimately tied to the mining and export of fossil fuels, at least four prime ministers have been ousted in part over their climate policies. In recent weeks, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has seen his ruling conservative coalition threatened by members in rural constituencies demanding funding for more coal-fired power plants. At the same time, the centrist wing of his party has criticised his climate targets as inadequate. Meanwhile, rebel members of opposition Labor met secretly to steer the centre-left party's leadership toward a more overtly pro-coal stance. The party's deputy leader awkwardly refused to rule out more coal subsidies, months after vowing they should end. "They don't want to stick their heads above the parapet, at least when it comes to suggesting substantive policy," said Matt McDonald, an expert in climate politics from the University of Queensland. One reason, he explained, is that while the hot and dry Australian continent is uniquely susceptible to the impact of climate change, it is also a world-beating source of coal. Coal accounts for around 75 percent of Australia's electricity generation and exports of the fossil fuel are worth Aus$60 billion a year, the country's largest export after iron ore. People in affluent suburbs may call for emissions cuts and green energy, but coal accounts for thousands of jobs in election-deciding districts of Queensland and New South Wales, and many more in the related aluminium smelting business. Independent MP Zali Steggall -- a former barrister and Olympic medal-winning skier -- who ousted climate-sceptic former prime minister Tony Abbott from his Sydney seat at the last election, wants to take some heat out of the debate. She has introduced a bill that would reduce Australia's carbon emissions to zero by 2050 and divert some contentious issues to an independent expert body. "The debate has been very divisive," in part because of the blame game, Steggall told AFP. "There was a certain defensiveness in the early days of this debate because the finger was so squarely pointed at coal and fossil fuels." "You have to think about a generation that worked really hard at building Australia's prosperity on fossil fuels. You have to be very careful in the debate about apportioning blame. It's not like it was done on purpose." "It's about recognising and being thankful for that contribution, but acknowledging that we do need to evolve," she added. "We're all going to get there in the end." With bushfires projected to get ever more deadly and the next season a little over six months away, the risk, Steggall says, is that politicians take so long to reach consensus "it will be too late to do anything".

Australian bushfires extinguished, but climate rows rage on

Most amazing landscapes in Google Earth viewed from space

Maldives police on Thursday arrested three men over the stabbing of two Chinese nationals and an Australian, and were probing their suspected links with Islamic State, officials said.

The three men were stabbed on Tuesday night in Hulhumale, an island seven kms (four miles) north of capital city Male, police said on Twitter.

One of the Chinese nationals was a tourist and the two others worked in the city. They were in stable conditions in the hospital, police added.

Chinese and Australian embassy officials were not immediately available to comment.

A Maldivian radical group affiliated with Islamic State had taken responsibility for the attack in a video posted online, local media reported on Wednesday.

One of the three masked men seen in the video accused the Maldivian government of being run by infidels and warned more such attacks were coming.

Police said they were working to confirm the veracity of the video.

Last year, a 35-year-old man identified as a leader for Islamic State in the Maldives by the U.S. authorities was arrested for allegedly leading Islamic State recruitment in the mainly Sunni Muslim nation.

The archipelago in the Indian Ocean derives much of its income from tourism.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for deadly bombings in Sri Lanka in April last year and has been looking to bolster its presence in the sub-continent after being driven out of its self-styled caliphate in Iraq and Syria.

The Maldives parliament has given sweeping investigative powers to counter-terrorism agencies, and authorities have stepped up operations against hardline Islamist groups.

Maldives police on Thursday arrested three men over the stabbing of two Chinese nationals and an Australian, and were probing their suspected links with Islamic State, officials said.

Maldives police on Thursday arrested three men over the stabbing of two Chinese nationals and an Australian, and were probing their suspected links with Islamic State, officials said. The three men were stabbed on Tuesday night in Hulhumale, an island seven kms (four miles) north of capital city Male, police said on Twitter. One of the Chinese nationals was a tourist and the two others worked in the city. They were in stable conditions in the hospital, police added. Chinese and Australian embassy officials were not immediately available to comment. A Maldivian radical group affiliated with Islamic State had taken responsibility for the attack in a video posted online, local media reported on Wednesday. One of the three masked men seen in the video accused the Maldivian government of being run by infidels and warned more such attacks were coming. Police said they were working to confirm the veracity of the video. Last year, a 35-year-old man identified as a leader for Islamic State in the Maldives by the U.S. authorities was arrested for allegedly leading Islamic State recruitment in the mainly Sunni Muslim nation. The archipelago in the Indian Ocean derives much of its income from tourism. Islamic State claimed responsibility for deadly bombings in Sri Lanka in April last year and has been looking to bolster its presence in the sub-continent after being driven out of its self-styled caliphate in Iraq and Syria. The Maldives parliament has given sweeping investigative powers to counter-terrorism agencies, and authorities have stepped up operations against hardline Islamist groups.

Maldives police arrest three over stabbing of Chinese, Australian

After months of destructive wildfires that have razed millions of hectares of land, Australia has been hit in recent weeks by wild weather that has alternately brought heavy downpours, hail storms, gusty winds and hot and dry air.

Australia’s West Coast Braces for Tropical Cyclone Damien

Australia was praying for rainfall over the weekend's scorching heat sparked massive bushfires, when the rains arrived they poured with such intensity causing floods in most parts of New South Wales including in Sydney.

Australia: After bushfire fury, now rain woes

A tropical cyclone expected to hit Western Australia on Saturday was forecast to bring ferocious winds and potentially dangerous storm tide, while much of the bushfire-battered east coast faced flood warnings due to torrential rains.

Severe tropical cyclone Damien was expected to make landfall on the west coast near Port Hedland, the world's largest iron ore port, on Saturday afternoon. The ports had been cleared of vessels ahead its arrival.

At 1 pm AWST, Damien was a Category 3 storm, expecting to bring winds with gusts up to 220 kilometres per hour near its centre when crossing the coast later on Saturday, the Bureau of Meteorology in Western Australia said.

Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/2-killed-over-2500-people-evacuated-after-tropical-cyclone-sarai-hits-fiji-270846" target="_blank">2 killed &amp; over 2500 people evacuated after tropical cyclone 'Sarai' hits Fiji</a>

Residents of some coastal areas were urged to seek shelter. "Residents between Dampier and Whim Creek, including Dampier and Karratha, are warned of the potential of a very dangerous storm tide as the cyclone centre crosses the coast," the agency said on its website.

"Tides are likely to rise significantly above the normal high tide mark with damaging waves and very dangerous flooding." Sparsely populated Western Australia was also facing several severe fire warnings with hot temperatures expected in most of the state.

After months of destructive wildfires that have razed millions of hectares of land, Australia has been hit in recent weeks by wild weather that has brought heavy downpours, hail storms and heatwaves.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-dead-2500-seek-emergency-shelter-in-cyclone-battered-fiji-270826" target="_blank">Two dead, 2,500 seek emergency shelter in cyclone-battered Fiji</a>

New South Wales, an east coast state where nearly a third of Australia's population lives, saw some areas drenched by the heaviest rainfall in almost 20 years by Saturday, with severe weather and flash flood warnings.

"Potentially we haven't seen anything like this since the late 1990s," Bureau of Meteorology acting New South Wales manager Jane Golding said at a news conference.

There were still more than 40 active fires in New South Wales on Saturday, half of them yet to be contained, but fire services said the downpours, which are expected to continue into next week, may dampen them.

A tropical cyclone expected to hit Western Australia on Saturday was forecast to bring ferocious winds and potentially dangerous storm tide, while much of the bushfire-battered east coast faced flood warnings due to torrential rains.

A tropical cyclone expected to hit Western Australia on Saturday was forecast to bring ferocious winds and potentially dangerous storm tide, while much of the bushfire-battered east coast faced flood warnings due to torrential rains. Severe tropical cyclone Damien was expected to make landfall on the west coast near Port Hedland, the world's largest iron ore port, on Saturday afternoon. The ports had been cleared of vessels ahead its arrival. At 1 pm AWST, Damien was a Category 3 storm, expecting to bring winds with gusts up to 220 kilometres per hour near its centre when crossing the coast later on Saturday, the Bureau of Meteorology in Western Australia said. Also Watch: 2 killed & over 2500 people evacuated after tropical cyclone 'Sarai' hits Fiji Residents of some coastal areas were urged to seek shelter. "Residents between Dampier and Whim Creek, including Dampier and Karratha, are warned of the potential of a very dangerous storm tide as the cyclone centre crosses the coast," the agency said on its website. "Tides are likely to rise significantly above the normal high tide mark with damaging waves and very dangerous flooding." Sparsely populated Western Australia was also facing several severe fire warnings with hot temperatures expected in most of the state. After months of destructive wildfires that have razed millions of hectares of land, Australia has been hit in recent weeks by wild weather that has brought heavy downpours, hail storms and heatwaves. Also Read: Two dead, 2,500 seek emergency shelter in cyclone-battered Fiji New South Wales, an east coast state where nearly a third of Australia's population lives, saw some areas drenched by the heaviest rainfall in almost 20 years by Saturday, with severe weather and flash flood warnings. "Potentially we haven't seen anything like this since the late 1990s," Bureau of Meteorology acting New South Wales manager Jane Golding said at a news conference. There were still more than 40 active fires in New South Wales on Saturday, half of them yet to be contained, but fire services said the downpours, which are expected to continue into next week, may dampen them.

Cyclone approaches Western Australia with heavy winds, risk of storm tide

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bushfire-smoke-blows-into-australias-capital-as-fire-threat-eases-278276">Australia</a>'s Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bushfire-smoke-blows-into-australias-capital-as-fire-threat-eases-278276">Scott Morrison</a> reshuffled his&nbsp;cabinet&nbsp;on Thursday, replacing two senior ministers from junior&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;partner&nbsp;the National Party following their recent resignations.

Morrison said Keith Pitt a well-known supporter of nuclear power and the coal industry will become <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-bushfires-scott-morrison-announces-new-recovery-agency-272334">Australia's </a>minister for mining and resources.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bushfire-smoke-blows-into-australias-capital-as-fire-threat-eases-278276">Bushfire smoke blows into Australia's capital as fire threat eases</a>

David Littleproud, Australia's minister for drought, will combine that role with the responsibility of overseeing the country's A$60 billion agricultural sector.

Matt Canavan resigned earlier this week as minister for mining and resources amid an unsuccessful attempt to replace the leader of the National Party .

Fellow National Party minister Bridget McKenzie resigned from her post as minister of agriculture on Sunday&nbsp;after&nbsp;an independent audit found money from a A$100 million sports development fund was used to target votes ahead of last year's federal election.

Watch: Australia Bushfires: Scott Morrison announces new recovery agency

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The appointment of Pitt was welcomed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-bushfires-scott-morrison-announces-new-recovery-agency-272334">Australia's </a>resource sector.

"Keith Pitt has a reputation for straight-talking and as a regional Queenslander he knows first-hand about the importance of the resources sector to create jobs and investment in regional communities," said Ian Macfarlane, chief executive of the Queensland Resources Council in an emailed statement.

"He also has a strong understanding of the policy issues that relate to the resources sector, in particular the need for affordable and reliable energy."

As part of the reshuffle, Darren Chester, minister for veteran affairs and another National Party member of parliament, will keep his position but it will be promoted to a&nbsp;Cabinet&nbsp;post, Morrison added.

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison reshuffled his cabinet on Thursday, replacing two senior ministers from junior coalition partner the National Party following their recent resignations.

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison reshuffled his cabinet on Thursday, replacing two senior ministers from junior coalition partner the National Party following their recent resignations. Morrison said Keith Pitt a well-known supporter of nuclear power and the coal industry will become Australia's minister for mining and resources. Also read: Bushfire smoke blows into Australia's capital as fire threat eases David Littleproud, Australia's minister for drought, will combine that role with the responsibility of overseeing the country's A$60 billion agricultural sector. Matt Canavan resigned earlier this week as minister for mining and resources amid an unsuccessful attempt to replace the leader of the National Party . Fellow National Party minister Bridget McKenzie resigned from her post as minister of agriculture on Sunday after an independent audit found money from a A$100 million sports development fund was used to target votes ahead of last year's federal election. Watch: Australia Bushfires: Scott Morrison announces new recovery agency The appointment of Pitt was welcomed by Australia's resource sector. "Keith Pitt has a reputation for straight-talking and as a regional Queenslander he knows first-hand about the importance of the resources sector to create jobs and investment in regional communities," said Ian Macfarlane, chief executive of the Queensland Resources Council in an emailed statement. "He also has a strong understanding of the policy issues that relate to the resources sector, in particular the need for affordable and reliable energy." As part of the reshuffle, Darren Chester, minister for veteran affairs and another National Party member of parliament, will keep his position but it will be promoted to a Cabinet post, Morrison added.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison reshuffles cabinet after coalition partner ructions

A disgruntled python stole the show in Australia, when it repeatedly bit an Australian reporter's microphone. Journalist Sarah Cawte was reporting from Wagga Wagga on snake safety and was about to give a piece to camera with the python on her shoulder, when the serpent focused in on the microphone.

Australia : Python Steals The Show

<a href="Maldives bans travellers from China over virus fears">Maldives&nbsp;</a>police on Thursday arrested three men over the stabbing of two <a href="Maldives bans travellers from China over virus fears">Chinese nationals</a> and an Australian, and were probing their suspected links with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/despite-defeats-the-islamic-state-remains-unbroken-and-defiant-around-the-world-277491">Islamic State</a>, officials said.

The three men were stabbed on Tuesday night in Hulhumale, an island seven kilometers north of capital city Male, police said on Twitter.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-bans-travellers-from-china-over-virus-fears-tourism-minister-278491">Maldives bans travellers from China over virus fears</a>

One of the Chinese nationals was a tourist and the two others worked in the city. They were in stable conditions in hospital, police added.

Chinese and Australian embassy officials were not immediately available to comment.

A Maldivian radical group affiliated with Islamic State had taken responsibility for the attack in a video posted online, local media reported on Wednesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-uk-leaves-european-union-maldives-rejoins-commonwealth-278022">As UK leaves European Union, Maldives rejoins Commonwealth</a>

One of the three masked men seen in the video accused the Maldivian government of being run by infidels and warned more such attacks were coming.

Police said they were working to confirm the veracity of the video.

Last year, a 35-year-old man identified as a leader for Islamic State in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-uk-leaves-european-union-maldives-rejoins-commonwealth-278022">Maldives&nbsp;</a>by the US&nbsp;authorities was arrested for allegedly leading <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/despite-defeats-the-islamic-state-remains-unbroken-and-defiant-around-the-world-277491">Islamic State</a> recruitment in the mainly Sunni Muslim nation.

The archipelago in the Indian Ocean derives much of its income from tourism.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/despite-defeats-the-islamic-state-remains-unbroken-and-defiant-around-the-world-277491">Islamic State</a> claimed responsibility for deadly bombings in Sri Lanka in April last year, and has been looking to bolster its presence in the sub-continent after being driven out of its self-styled caliphate in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/despite-defeats-the-islamic-state-remains-unbroken-and-defiant-around-the-world-277491">Iraq </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/despite-defeats-the-islamic-state-remains-unbroken-and-defiant-around-the-world-277491">Syria</a>.

The&nbsp;Maldives&nbsp;parliament has given sweeping investigative powers to counter-terrorism agencies, and authorities have stepped up operations against hardline Islamist groups.

Maldives police on Thursday arrested three men over the stabbing of two Chinese nationals and an Australian, and were probing their suspected links with Islamic State, officials said. The three men were stabbed on Tuesday night in Hulhumale, an island seven kilometers north of capital city Male, police said on Twitter. Also read: Maldives bans travellers from China over virus fears One of the Chinese nationals was a tourist and the two others worked in the city. They were in stable conditions in hospital, police added. Chinese and Australian embassy officials were not immediately available to comment. A Maldivian radical group affiliated with Islamic State had taken responsibility for the attack in a video posted online, local media reported on Wednesday. Also read: As UK leaves European Union, Maldives rejoins Commonwealth One of the three masked men seen in the video accused the Maldivian government of being run by infidels and warned more such attacks were coming. Police said they were working to confirm the veracity of the video. Last year, a 35-year-old man identified as a leader for Islamic State in the Maldives by the US authorities was arrested for allegedly leading Islamic State recruitment in the mainly Sunni Muslim nation. The archipelago in the Indian Ocean derives much of its income from tourism. Islamic State claimed responsibility for deadly bombings in Sri Lanka in April last year, and has been looking to bolster its presence in the sub-continent after being driven out of its self-styled caliphate in Iraq and Syria. The Maldives parliament has given sweeping investigative powers to counter-terrorism agencies, and authorities have stepped up operations against hardline Islamist groups.

Maldives police arrest three over stabbing of two Chinese and one Australian national

Today in History: Articles of Confederation, Apollo 14 and more!

&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;may arrange a&nbsp;second&nbsp;evacuation&nbsp;flight&nbsp;out of China's&nbsp;Wuhan&nbsp;city, the epicenter of the coronavirus, after the first planeload of its citizens&nbsp;arrived on&nbsp;Christmas&nbsp;Island&nbsp;in the Indian Ocean, Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-seeks-greater-federal-powers-to-protect-the-nation-from-threatening-bushfires-277314">Scott Morrison</a> said on Tuesday.

Some 241 passengers on the initial&nbsp;flight&nbsp;will be quarantined for two weeks on the remote&nbsp;Australia-run&nbsp;island, about 1,400 km (870 miles) northwest of mainland&nbsp;Australia.

Qantas Airways Ltd&nbsp;carrying the&nbsp;evacuees&nbsp;and Department of Health officials landed at a military airbase north of Perth, where passengers were transferred to two smaller planes for the&nbsp;flight&nbsp;to&nbsp;Christmas&nbsp;Island. The first of the chartered&nbsp;flights landed on&nbsp;Christmas&nbsp;Island&nbsp;on Tuesday morning.

<img alt="Coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c50fec3d-ba66-4ae5-8d93-1f1a488a7341" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2835%29_5.jpg" />

"All&nbsp;Australians who were on our&nbsp;flight&nbsp;out of&nbsp;Wuhan&nbsp;have&nbsp;arrived safely," Morrison said in a series of posts on his verified Twitter account, calling the evacuation a "complex and very challenging operation".

"We are now working with the Chinese authorities on a possible&nbsp;second&nbsp;assisted departure&nbsp;flight&nbsp;for&nbsp;Australians seeking to leave&nbsp;Wuhan," Morrison added.

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-evacuates-200-people-from-wuhan-the-epicentre-of-coronavirus-outbreak-in-china-278211">Australia evacuates 200 people from Wuhan, the epicentre of coronavirus outbreak in China</a>

Australia&nbsp;has said it plans to keep&nbsp;evacuees&nbsp;on&nbsp;Christmas&nbsp;Island&nbsp;for two weeks, the maximum incubation period of the newly identified virus which has sparked a global health emergency and killed more than 400 people in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-chinas-coronavirus-rises-to-425-over-20000-infected-nationwide-278426">China</a>, mostly in&nbsp;Wuhan&nbsp;and surrounding Hubei province.

<img alt="Coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="358662ff-bfd9-44bf-b18c-2f646524142d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2832%29_3.jpg" />

Morrison said&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;had also been working with New Zealand to share some seats on a plane organised by its trans-Tasman neighbour.

An evacuation&nbsp;flight&nbsp;chartered by Air New Zealand Ltd is scheduled to leave&nbsp;Wuhan&nbsp;late on Tuesday,&nbsp;Wuhan&nbsp;time, with 70 New Zealanders and an unspecified number of&nbsp;Australians on board and was expected to&nbsp;arrive&nbsp;in Auckland on Wednesday, the airline said.

Australian citizens on the&nbsp;flight&nbsp;would be transferred&nbsp;from&nbsp;Auckland to&nbsp;Christmas&nbsp;Island, the New Zealand government has said.

In addition to the 241&nbsp;evacuees&nbsp;taken to&nbsp;Christmas&nbsp;Island, Morrison said two passengers on the Qantas&nbsp;flight, a pregnant woman and her partner, "have been transferred to Perth and are in isolation there".

<img alt="Coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c930f360-63fd-4881-8c19-feb9ccab8e6d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2833%29_2.jpg" />

Wuhan&nbsp;in Hubei province has been in lockdown to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, which has killed 414 people in the province. The first death&nbsp;from&nbsp;the virus outside China was reported on Sunday in the Philippines.

There were 600&nbsp;Australians registered in the Hubei region as of last week.

Australia&nbsp;on Saturday followed the United States in barring entry to all foreign nationals traveling&nbsp;from&nbsp;mainland China and raised its travel warning for China to the highest level, advising people against visiting the country at all.

Australia may arrange a second evacuation flight out of China's Wuhan city, the epicenter of the coronavirus, after the first planeload of its citizens arrived on Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Tuesday.

Australia may arrange a second evacuation flight out of China's Wuhan city, the epicenter of the coronavirus, after the first planeload of its citizens arrived on Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Tuesday. Some 241 passengers on the initial flight will be quarantined for two weeks on the remote Australia-run island, about 1,400 km (870 miles) northwest of mainland Australia. Qantas Airways Ltd carrying the evacuees and Department of Health officials landed at a military airbase north of Perth, where passengers were transferred to two smaller planes for the flight to Christmas Island. The first of the chartered flights landed on Christmas Island on Tuesday morning. "All Australians who were on our flight out of Wuhan have arrived safely," Morrison said in a series of posts on his verified Twitter account, calling the evacuation a "complex and very challenging operation". "We are now working with the Chinese authorities on a possible second assisted departure flight for Australians seeking to leave Wuhan," Morrison added. Read More: Australia evacuates 200 people from Wuhan, the epicentre of coronavirus outbreak in China Australia has said it plans to keep evacuees on Christmas Island for two weeks, the maximum incubation period of the newly identified virus which has sparked a global health emergency and killed more than 400 people in China, mostly in Wuhan and surrounding Hubei province. Morrison said Australia had also been working with New Zealand to share some seats on a plane organised by its trans-Tasman neighbour. An evacuation flight chartered by Air New Zealand Ltd is scheduled to leave Wuhan late on Tuesday, Wuhan time, with 70 New Zealanders and an unspecified number of Australians on board and was expected to arrive in Auckland on Wednesday, the airline said. Australian citizens on the flight would be transferred from Auckland to Christmas Island, the New Zealand government has said. In addition to the 241 evacuees taken to Christmas Island, Morrison said two passengers on the Qantas flight, a pregnant woman and her partner, "have been transferred to Perth and are in isolation there". Wuhan in Hubei province has been in lockdown to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, which has killed 414 people in the province. The first death from the virus outside China was reported on Sunday in the Philippines. There were 600 Australians registered in the Hubei region as of last week. Australia on Saturday followed the United States in barring entry to all foreign nationals traveling from mainland China and raised its travel warning for China to the highest level, advising people against visiting the country at all.

Australia eyes second flight from Wuhan as evacuees arrive on Christmas Island

A mother lost her four children in a car accident involving a drunk driver in Australia. She decided to forgive the driver. Should you forgive to forget? WION's Palki Sharma gets you some food for thought.

Gravitas: Food for Thought, Should you forgive to forget?

Dozens&nbsp;of&nbsp;koalas&nbsp;have been euthanized and some 80 more are being treated for injuries and starvation&nbsp;after&nbsp;their habitat was logged, prompting an&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;government investigation Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/baby-flying-foxes-orphaned-by-australian-bushfires-get-a-foster-home-276599" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/baby-flying-foxes-orphaned-by-australian-bushfires-get-a-foster-home-276599&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiln8ulxLTnAhVJxzgGHTaYDKIQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ZxXA-vo6hL0gGKeiJQxm_" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baby-flying-foxes-orphaned-by-australian-bushfires-get-a-foster-home-276599" target="_blank">Baby flying foxes orphaned by Australian bushfires get a foster home</a>

Victoria's environment department said the state's conservation regulator was investigating a "very distressing incident" at a bluegum&nbsp;plantation&nbsp;near the coastal town of Portland that resulted in the deaths of&nbsp;dozens&nbsp;of&nbsp;koalas.

"If this is found to be due to deliberate human action, we expect the conservation regulator to act swiftly against those responsible," the department said.

Those responsible could face steep fines under laws designed to protect Australia's native wildlife.

The environment department said approximately 80&nbsp;koalas&nbsp;had been removed from the&nbsp;plantation&nbsp;site over the weekend for medical treatment, while others had to be put down.

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"Wildlife welfare assessment and triage will continue with qualified carers and vets," the department said in a statement.

"Plans are being made to translocate remaining animals offsite if they are well enough to be moved."

Friends of the Earth said the&nbsp;plantation&nbsp;was logged in December in what it called a "massacre" that left hundreds of&nbsp;koalas&nbsp;dead&nbsp;or injured.

The conservation group said the scale of the incident was uncovered&nbsp;when local residents witnessed&nbsp;dead&nbsp;koalas&nbsp;being bulldozed into piles in recent days.

The deaths come&nbsp;after&nbsp;devastating bushfires destroyed large swathes of koala habitat across Australia's southeast and killed thousands of the animals, which are listed as "vulnerable" to extinction.

The&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;Forest Products Association said&nbsp;a forestry contractor harvested the land in November in accordance with strict wildlife protection rules before the remaining trees were later bulldozed&nbsp;after&nbsp;the contractor left.

"It is unclear as yet who bulldozed the trees with the&nbsp;koalas&nbsp;apparently still in them, but it is absolutely certain that this was not a&nbsp;plantation&nbsp;or a forestry company," chief executive Ross Hampton told Nine newspapers.

"We support all those calling for the full force of the law to be applied to the perpetrator."

The forestry industry lobby group has pledged to hold its own investigation into the incident.

Dozens of koalas have been euthanized and some 80 more are being treated for injuries and starvation after their habitat was logged, prompting an Australian government investigation Monday.

Dozens of koalas have been euthanized and some 80 more are being treated for injuries and starvation after their habitat was logged, prompting an Australian government investigation Monday. Also read: Baby flying foxes orphaned by Australian bushfires get a foster home Victoria's environment department said the state's conservation regulator was investigating a "very distressing incident" at a bluegum plantation near the coastal town of Portland that resulted in the deaths of dozens of koalas. "If this is found to be due to deliberate human action, we expect the conservation regulator to act swiftly against those responsible," the department said. Those responsible could face steep fines under laws designed to protect Australia's native wildlife. The environment department said approximately 80 koalas had been removed from the plantation site over the weekend for medical treatment, while others had to be put down. × "Wildlife welfare assessment and triage will continue with qualified carers and vets," the department said in a statement. "Plans are being made to translocate remaining animals offsite if they are well enough to be moved." Friends of the Earth said the plantation was logged in December in what it called a "massacre" that left hundreds of koalas dead or injured. The conservation group said the scale of the incident was uncovered when local residents witnessed dead koalas being bulldozed into piles in recent days. The deaths come after devastating bushfires destroyed large swathes of koala habitat across Australia's southeast and killed thousands of the animals, which are listed as "vulnerable" to extinction. The Australian Forest Products Association said a forestry contractor harvested the land in November in accordance with strict wildlife protection rules before the remaining trees were later bulldozed after the contractor left. "It is unclear as yet who bulldozed the trees with the koalas apparently still in them, but it is absolutely certain that this was not a plantation or a forestry company," chief executive Ross Hampton told Nine newspapers. "We support all those calling for the full force of the law to be applied to the perpetrator." The forestry industry lobby group has pledged to hold its own investigation into the incident.

Dozens of koalas dead after logging at Australian plantation

Marise Payne, Australia's Foreign Minister today said that 243 of their citizens were evacuated from Wuhan in a government aircraft.&nbsp;

Wuhan is the epicentre of the mysterious SARS-like virus which has already killed 361 people worldwide, with the number of cases rising everyday.

According to sources, the people will be quarantined in a detention centre on ''Christmas Island'', which is situated in the Indian Ocean outside of Australia's northwest coast.

Also read:&nbsp;D<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-coronavirus-rises-to-361-as-man-dies-in-philippines-278197">eath toll in coronavirus rises to 361 as man dies in Philippines</a>

Earlier, the former detention centre was used to keep people who were seeking asylum. 
 
"We have prioritised vulnerable and isolated Australians which is reflected in the fact that 89 of the Australians on the flight are under 16 and five are under two," Payne told reporters in Canberra.

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According to Reuters, all the passengers and the crew were given face masks and hand sanitiser, with specific orders for the crew to remain on the upper deck unless needed. 
 
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said that the aircraft was equipped with medical-grade air filters, which can eliminate up to 99% particles that include viruses.

"It's a lot safer, a lot cleaner than being in a restaurant, in an office," he said.

The aircraft was set to leave much earlier but was delayed owing to China's screening process whereby they wanted to check everybody's temperature. 
 
The flight will land at an air force base in Western Australia, from where the passengers will be flown to Christmas Island, which is almost 1,500 kilometres away from the mainland.&nbsp; 
 
According to Payne, military flights will be used to transport the evacuees.&nbsp;

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<img alt="oooo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73e93d9b-46d8-40aa-a0c9-53bb4574db16" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_61.jpg" /> 
A medical team stands next to a Portugal's Air Force C-130 plane, carrying Portuguese nationals flown out of the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the new coronavirus infection epidemic, after it land at the military terminal of Figo Maduro, in Lisbon, on February 02, 2020 | AFP</h6>

The Chinese city of Wuhan has been quarantined and is under complete lockdown after the emergence of coronavirus. The first death from the virus outside of Chinese territory was reported in the Philippines yesterday.

Canberra could consider further evacuations if needed, suggested Payne, considering that there were 600 Australians registered in the Hubei region as of last week.

After the United States, Australia on Saturday banned the entry of all foreign nationals coming from mainland China. The travel warning for China was raised to the highest level.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-google-joins-hands-with-who-to-provide-sos-alert-trusted-info-and-safety-tips-278181">Coronavirus outbreak - Google joins hands with WHO to provide SOS alert, trusted info and safety tips&nbsp;</a>

(With inputs from agencies)

Marise Payne, Australia's Foreign Minister today said that 243 of their citizens were evacuated from Wuhan in a government aircraft. Wuhan is the epicentre of the mysterious SARS-like virus which has already killed 361 people worldwide, with the number of cases rising everyday.

Marise Payne, Australia's Foreign Minister today said that 243 of their citizens were evacuated from Wuhan in a government aircraft. Wuhan is the epicentre of the mysterious SARS-like virus which has already killed 361 people worldwide, with the number of cases rising everyday. According to sources, the people will be quarantined in a detention centre on ''Christmas Island'', which is situated in the Indian Ocean outside of Australia's northwest coast. Also read: Death toll in coronavirus rises to 361 as man dies in Philippines Earlier, the former detention centre was used to keep people who were seeking asylum. "We have prioritised vulnerable and isolated Australians which is reflected in the fact that 89 of the Australians on the flight are under 16 and five are under two," Payne told reporters in Canberra. According to Reuters, all the passengers and the crew were given face masks and hand sanitiser, with specific orders for the crew to remain on the upper deck unless needed. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said that the aircraft was equipped with medical-grade air filters, which can eliminate up to 99% particles that include viruses. "It's a lot safer, a lot cleaner than being in a restaurant, in an office," he said. The aircraft was set to leave much earlier but was delayed owing to China's screening process whereby they wanted to check everybody's temperature. The flight will land at an air force base in Western Australia, from where the passengers will be flown to Christmas Island, which is almost 1,500 kilometres away from the mainland. According to Payne, military flights will be used to transport the evacuees. A medical team stands next to a Portugal's Air Force C-130 plane, carrying Portuguese nationals flown out of the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the new coronavirus infection epidemic, after it land at the military terminal of Figo Maduro, in Lisbon, on February 02, 2020 | AFP The Chinese city of Wuhan has been quarantined and is under complete lockdown after the emergence of coronavirus. The first death from the virus outside of Chinese territory was reported in the Philippines yesterday. Canberra could consider further evacuations if needed, suggested Payne, considering that there were 600 Australians registered in the Hubei region as of last week. After the United States, Australia on Saturday banned the entry of all foreign nationals coming from mainland China. The travel warning for China was raised to the highest level. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak - Google joins hands with WHO to provide SOS alert, trusted info and safety tips (With inputs from agencies)

Australia evacuates 200 people from Wuhan, the epicentre of coronavirus outbreak in China

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Australia's capital, Canberra, was on high alert on Sunday as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baby-flying-foxes-orphaned-by-australian-bushfires-get-a-foster-home-276599">bushfires burned</a> nearby, while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-bushfires-to-fuel-biggest-annual-rise-in-co2-concentration-this-year-276424">smoke and dust engulfed</a> large parts of the country's east, prompting warnings from health authorities. Fire in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), home to the capital city, has spread to more than 55,000 hectares (136,000 acres), close to a quarter of the territory's entire landmass.

Local fire authorities said cooler conditions would support containment efforts on Sunday but that residents should closely monitor any change in fire activity.

"There are still days, and possibly weeks, of firefighting ahead of us," ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr told the media. There were fears&nbsp;that the blaze, fuelled by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/bushfires-can-ecosystems-recover-from-such-dramatic-losses-of-biodiversity-275472">temperatures exceeding 40 degrees</a> Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), could reach Canberra's southern suburbs, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/businesses-in-australian-town-hopes-receded-bushfires-will-draw-tourists-back-275522">threatening homes and lives</a> as they did in 2003 when fires destroyed almost 500 houses and led to four deaths.

<img alt="Bushfire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0fbc2ae4-b66f-4010-addd-ec69b650cf0d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-02-02T122306.220.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;A helicopter carrying out aerial firefighting operations flies through the smoke of a bushfire (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-news-australia-bushfire-threat-emergency-declared-in-australian-capital-canberra-277652">Amid bushfire threat, emergency declared in Australian capital Canberra</a>

But containment lines supported by airdrops of fire retardant helped keep the blaze back, even in the face of wild winds and elevated temperatures which only fell to 26.7 degrees Celsius in the capital overnight, according to Australia's Bureau of Meteorology. Australia's devastating and prolonged bushfire season has killed 33 people and an estimated 1 billion native animals since September. About 2,500 homes have been destroyed and more than 11.7 million hectares (2.8 million acres) of tinder-dry bushland have been razed.

<img alt="bushfire australia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2e5f6ce5-d470-4c9f-a4f2-ceda7398fe22" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-02-02T122352.948.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;A firefighter from a local brigade works to extinguish flames after a bushfire burnt through the area (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

The fire in the southern tip of the ACT also crossed into the state of New South Wales (NSW) and destroyed some homes, authorities said on Sunday.In NSW, 63 fires were burning across the state on Sunday morning, with more than a third uncontained. NSW Health issued a statement saying air quality would be poor in parts of the state, including Sydney, due to a combination of bushfire smoke and dust blowing in from drought-hit areas.

Affected residents were urged to stay indoors and minimise physical activity, NSW Health said, adding those with chronic respiratory and cardiovascular conditions are particularly at risk. Parts of the ACT and NSW are bracing for forecast thunderstorms later on Sunday - a weather event that could bring cooling rains but also cause damage and even trigger new fires through lightning strikes. 
&nbsp;

Australia's capital, Canberra, was on high alert on Sunday as bushfires burned nearby, while smoke and dust engulfed large parts of the country's east, prompting warnings from health authorities.

Australia's capital, Canberra, was on high alert on Sunday as bushfires burned nearby, while smoke and dust engulfed large parts of the country's east, prompting warnings from health authorities. Fire in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), home to the capital city, has spread to more than 55,000 hectares (136,000 acres), close to a quarter of the territory's entire landmass. Local fire authorities said cooler conditions would support containment efforts on Sunday but that residents should closely monitor any change in fire activity. "There are still days, and possibly weeks, of firefighting ahead of us," ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr told the media. There were fears that the blaze, fuelled by temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), could reach Canberra's southern suburbs, threatening homes and lives as they did in 2003 when fires destroyed almost 500 houses and led to four deaths. [ A helicopter carrying out aerial firefighting operations flies through the smoke of a bushfire (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Also Read: Amid bushfire threat, emergency declared in Australian capital Canberra But containment lines supported by airdrops of fire retardant helped keep the blaze back, even in the face of wild winds and elevated temperatures which only fell to 26.7 degrees Celsius in the capital overnight, according to Australia's Bureau of Meteorology. Australia's devastating and prolonged bushfire season has killed 33 people and an estimated 1 billion native animals since September. About 2,500 homes have been destroyed and more than 11.7 million hectares (2.8 million acres) of tinder-dry bushland have been razed. [ A firefighter from a local brigade works to extinguish flames after a bushfire burnt through the area (Courtesy: Reuters) ] The fire in the southern tip of the ACT also crossed into the state of New South Wales (NSW) and destroyed some homes, authorities said on Sunday.In NSW, 63 fires were burning across the state on Sunday morning, with more than a third uncontained. NSW Health issued a statement saying air quality would be poor in parts of the state, including Sydney, due to a combination of bushfire smoke and dust blowing in from drought-hit areas. Affected residents were urged to stay indoors and minimise physical activity, NSW Health said, adding those with chronic respiratory and cardiovascular conditions are particularly at risk. Parts of the ACT and NSW are bracing for forecast thunderstorms later on Sunday - a weather event that could bring cooling rains but also cause damage and even trigger new fires through lightning strikes.

Excess smoke and dust trigger health warnings from Australian government; Canberra on fire alert

Australian authorities declared a state of emergency in the capital as soaring temperatures and strong whipped up huge, unpredictable blazes. Authorities warned on Friday (January 31) of severe fire danger in populated areas this weekend.

Australia bushfires show no sign of abating

Australia declared an emergency in its capital city Canberra in the wake of bushfires threat due to rising temperatures and strong winds.&nbsp;

"A state of emergency is the strongest signal we can send to the ACT community that they must prepare themselves and their families," Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory Andrew Barr said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-seeks-greater-federal-powers-to-protect-the-nation-from-threatening-bushfires-277314">Australian PM seeks greater federal powers to protect the nation from threatening bushfires</a>

He also warned that the fire might become uncontrollable and said the emergency would continue "as long as Canberra is at risk".&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baby-flying-foxes-orphaned-by-australian-bushfires-get-a-foster-home-276599">Baby flying foxes orphaned by Australian bushfires get a foster home</a>

The authorities were forced to take this step after forecasts predicted the fires could hit southern suburbs of the capital city and the heatwave conditions that are expected in the coming days.&nbsp;

The officials also warned of so-called ember attacks.&nbsp;

A state of emergency has been declared in the Australian Capital Territory for the first time since 2003 when fires destroyed nearly 500 homes.&nbsp;

Earlier, temperatures as high as 40 degrees Celsius were recorded on Thursday in South Australia state.&nbsp;

Authorities also feared severe bushfire conditions in parts of New South Wales and Victoria, where over 80 fires are still burning due to searing heat and dry winds.&nbsp;

At least 33 people have been killed in the massive bushfires this season that has destroyed vast swathes of the country.&nbsp;

(with AFP inputs)

Australia declared an emergency in its capital city Canberra in the wake of bushfires threat due to rising temperatures and strong winds. "A state of emergency is the strongest signal we can send to the ACT community that they must prepare themselves and their families," Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory Andrew Barr said.

Australia declared an emergency in its capital city Canberra in the wake of bushfires threat due to rising temperatures and strong winds. "A state of emergency is the strongest signal we can send to the ACT community that they must prepare themselves and their families," Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory Andrew Barr said. Also read: Australian PM seeks greater federal powers to protect the nation from threatening bushfires He also warned that the fire might become uncontrollable and said the emergency would continue "as long as Canberra is at risk". Also read: Baby flying foxes orphaned by Australian bushfires get a foster home The authorities were forced to take this step after forecasts predicted the fires could hit southern suburbs of the capital city and the heatwave conditions that are expected in the coming days. The officials also warned of so-called ember attacks. A state of emergency has been declared in the Australian Capital Territory for the first time since 2003 when fires destroyed nearly 500 homes. Earlier, temperatures as high as 40 degrees Celsius were recorded on Thursday in South Australia state. Authorities also feared severe bushfire conditions in parts of New South Wales and Victoria, where over 80 fires are still burning due to searing heat and dry winds. At least 33 people have been killed in the massive bushfires this season that has destroyed vast swathes of the country. (with AFP inputs)

Amid bushfire threat, emergency declared in Australian capital Canberra

Australia declares state of emergency in Canberra

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