&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

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday he wants greater federal powers during natural disasters, as authorities warned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-megablaze-brought-under-control-273841">bushfires ravaging the country</a> for months were sweeping through a national park near the capital.

Morrison said he wanted to set up a "legal framework that would allow the Commonwealth to declare a national state of emergency" before the next summer bushfire season, adding the chain of command between states and the federal government remained unclear.

Although he gave no details, the plan showed the conservative leader moving to head off criticism he was too slow to act when the seriousness of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-proposes-high-powered-inquiry-into-bushfires-response-273680">country's worst bushfire season</a> in a generation became apparent late last year.

Attacked by political opponents and media commentators for holidaying in Hawaii while the fires raged, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-bushfires-scott-morrison-announces-new-recovery-agency-272334">Morrison </a>initially said the country's eight state and territory governments had the main oversight during natural disasters.

He later mobilised about 3,000 Australian Defence Force reservists to help regional communities <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-bushfires-2000-homes-destroyed-military-buries-4000-animals-to-prevent-diseases-272607">affected by the fires</a>. "It has long been the case that state and territory governments have primary responsibility for protecting the life and property within their borders," Morrison said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-prime-ministers-approval-rating-singed-by-bushfires-273895">Australian Prime Minister's approval rating singed by bushfires</a>

"The scale of the bushfires this season, not least their simultaneous reach across many borders, has demonstrated to me the limits of these arrangements," Morrison said in a speech in the capital, Canberra.

<img alt="Scott Morrison" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="718272a9-03b3-49cb-b634-6b779f2924fa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_24.jpg" /> 
[ Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Just to the south of the city, authorities warned people to stay away from some regional areas due to a 10,000 hectare (25,000 acre) forest fire, although no suburbs of Canberra itself were under threat.

Over the summer, Canberra has regularly been shrouded in bushfire smoke that has put its air quality among the lowest-ranked in the world and prompted government agencies to ask employees to stay home.

A week ago, the city's airport was closed briefly when bushfire burned near its edges. The Bureau of Meteorology has warned Canberra will be at the centre of a heatwave that will put the city's temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) for several days.

Since September, bushfires in Australia have killed 33 people and an estimated 1 billion native animals, while 2,500 homes and a wilderness area the size of Greece have been destroyed, prompting critics to accuse Morrison of not doing enough to cut the country's carbon emissions.

Morrison said Australia should adapt to changing weather patterns that would make bushfires more frequent, but "when it comes to practical safety of people living in bushfire zones, hazard reduction is even more important than emissions reduction". 
&nbsp;

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday he wants greater federal powers during natural disasters, as authorities warned bushfires ravaging the country for months were sweeping through a national park near the capital.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday he wants greater federal powers during natural disasters, as authorities warned bushfires ravaging the country for months were sweeping through a national park near the capital. Morrison said he wanted to set up a "legal framework that would allow the Commonwealth to declare a national state of emergency" before the next summer bushfire season, adding the chain of command between states and the federal government remained unclear. Although he gave no details, the plan showed the conservative leader moving to head off criticism he was too slow to act when the seriousness of the country's worst bushfire season in a generation became apparent late last year. Attacked by political opponents and media commentators for holidaying in Hawaii while the fires raged, Morrison initially said the country's eight state and territory governments had the main oversight during natural disasters. He later mobilised about 3,000 Australian Defence Force reservists to help regional communities affected by the fires. "It has long been the case that state and territory governments have primary responsibility for protecting the life and property within their borders," Morrison said. Also Read: Australian Prime Minister's approval rating singed by bushfires "The scale of the bushfires this season, not least their simultaneous reach across many borders, has demonstrated to me the limits of these arrangements," Morrison said in a speech in the capital, Canberra. [ Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Just to the south of the city, authorities warned people to stay away from some regional areas due to a 10,000 hectare (25,000 acre) forest fire, although no suburbs of Canberra itself were under threat. Over the summer, Canberra has regularly been shrouded in bushfire smoke that has put its air quality among the lowest-ranked in the world and prompted government agencies to ask employees to stay home. A week ago, the city's airport was closed briefly when bushfire burned near its edges. The Bureau of Meteorology has warned Canberra will be at the centre of a heatwave that will put the city's temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) for several days. Since September, bushfires in Australia have killed 33 people and an estimated 1 billion native animals, while 2,500 homes and a wilderness area the size of Greece have been destroyed, prompting critics to accuse Morrison of not doing enough to cut the country's carbon emissions. Morrison said Australia should adapt to changing weather patterns that would make bushfires more frequent, but "when it comes to practical safety of people living in bushfire zones, hazard reduction is even more important than emissions reduction".

Australian PM seeks greater federal powers to protect the nation from threatening bushfires

The fifth edition of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shanghai-cooperation-organisation-secretary-general-vladimir-norov-arrives-in-india-on-4-day-visit-to-attend-raisina-dialogue-2020-273757">Raisina Dialogue</a> 2020, India's annual global conference on geopolitics and geo-economics is set to kick-off here Tuesday with the participation of more than 100 countries.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shanghai-cooperation-organisation-secretary-general-vladimir-norov-arrives-in-india-on-4-day-visit-to-attend-raisina-dialogue-2020-273757">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Secretary General Vladimir Norov arrives in India to attend Raisina Dialogue</a>

The flagship conference jointly organised by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/envoys-visit-is-to-see-first-hand-efforts-to-normalise-the-situation-in-kashmir-mea-spokesperson-raveesh-kumar-273208">Ministry of External Affairs</a> and the Observer Research Foundation has been India's contribution to global efforts to discover solutions, identify opportunities and provide stability to a century that has witnessed an eventful two decades.

The three-day conclave will bring together 700 international participants, of which 40 percent of the speakers will be women, emphasising India's commitment to gender equality.

Along with the participation of 12 foreign ministers, including the foreign ministers of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-and-russias-putin-discuss-regional-global-issues-in-telephonic-conversation-274090">Russia</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-hints-at-de-escalating-tensions-with-us-273856">Iran</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-prime-ministers-approval-rating-singed-by-bushfires-273895">Australia</a>, Maldives, South Africa, Estonia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Uzbekistan and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-warns-iran-nuclear-deal-may-collapse-273585">European Union</a>, the National Security Adviser (NSA) of Afghanistan, the Deputy NSA of the United States and several other ministers of state will also present their ideas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-foreign-ministry-rebuffs-misleading-reports-regarding-cancellation-of-ministers-participation-in-raisina-dialogue-273719">Also read: Bangladesh Foreign Ministry rebuffs misleading reports regarding cancellation of Minister's participation in Raisina Dialogue</a>

External Affairs Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/s-jaishankar-meets-sri-lankan-fm-gunawardena-273187">S Jaishankar</a> will share his insights on India's growing&nbsp;role in the world in a session on January 15.

This year's Dialogue titled 'Navigating the Alpha Century' is structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral discussion, involving heads of states, cabinet ministers and local government officials as well as major private sector executives, members of the media and academics.

The inaugural session of the mega-event today will be addressed by Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-caa-is-not-to-revoke-anyones-citizenship-but-to-give-273711">Narendra Modi</a> where other visiting leaders will share their views on important challenges facing the world related to globalisation, 2030 agenda, role of technology in the modern world, climate change and counter-terrorism.

Over the course of two days thereafter (on January15-16), intensive deliberations will take place over 80 sessions around 5 thematic pillars - the nationalist impulses challenging global institutions and collective action, the debate on the global trading architecture, the role of technologies in determining political, economic and military power, the global development agenda and the state-individual relationship in the age of digital communities and cyberspace, according to a statement by the MEA.

In the short space of five years, the Raisina Dialogue has acquired an enviable global profile uniting the best strategic thinkers of the world.

The synergies and collaborations in the Raisina Dialogue represent India's deliberative ethos, as well as its international credibility and convening power.

The Raisina Dialogue has grown along with India's diplomatic profile and will set the tone for its intensive diplomatic engagement this year. 
The inaugural address was to be delivered by Australian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australian-pm-to-visit-india-in-january-calls-india-a-natural-partner-253636">Scott Morrison</a> but he called off his visit in view of the bushfire crisis in his country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australian-pm-to-visit-india-in-january-calls-india-a-natural-partner-253636">Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison defers trip to India, Japan as bushfire crisis looms</a>

The fifth edition of the Raisina Dialogue 2020, India's annual global conference on geopolitics and geo-economics is set to kick-off here Tuesday with the participation of more than 100 countries.

The fifth edition of the Raisina Dialogue 2020, India's annual global conference on geopolitics and geo-economics is set to kick-off here Tuesday with the participation of more than 100 countries. Also read: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Secretary General Vladimir Norov arrives in India to attend Raisina Dialogue The flagship conference jointly organised by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Observer Research Foundation has been India's contribution to global efforts to discover solutions, identify opportunities and provide stability to a century that has witnessed an eventful two decades. The three-day conclave will bring together 700 international participants, of which 40 percent of the speakers will be women, emphasising India's commitment to gender equality. Along with the participation of 12 foreign ministers, including the foreign ministers of Russia, Iran, Australia, Maldives, South Africa, Estonia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Uzbekistan and the European Union, the National Security Adviser (NSA) of Afghanistan, the Deputy NSA of the United States and several other ministers of state will also present their ideas. Also read: Bangladesh Foreign Ministry rebuffs misleading reports regarding cancellation of Minister's participation in Raisina Dialogue External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will share his insights on India's growing role in the world in a session on January 15. This year's Dialogue titled 'Navigating the Alpha Century' is structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral discussion, involving heads of states, cabinet ministers and local government officials as well as major private sector executives, members of the media and academics. The inaugural session of the mega-event today will be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi where other visiting leaders will share their views on important challenges facing the world related to globalisation, 2030 agenda, role of technology in the modern world, climate change and counter-terrorism. Over the course of two days thereafter (on January15-16), intensive deliberations will take place over 80 sessions around 5 thematic pillars - the nationalist impulses challenging global institutions and collective action, the debate on the global trading architecture, the role of technologies in determining political, economic and military power, the global development agenda and the state-individual relationship in the age of digital communities and cyberspace, according to a statement by the MEA. In the short space of five years, the Raisina Dialogue has acquired an enviable global profile uniting the best strategic thinkers of the world. The synergies and collaborations in the Raisina Dialogue represent India's deliberative ethos, as well as its international credibility and convening power. The Raisina Dialogue has grown along with India's diplomatic profile and will set the tone for its intensive diplomatic engagement this year. The inaugural address was to be delivered by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison but he called off his visit in view of the bushfire crisis in his country. Also read: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison defers trip to India, Japan as bushfire crisis looms

Fifth edition of Raisina Dialogue focusing on geopolitics, geo-economics begins today

The smoke from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/residents-of-small-australian-communities-told-to-evacuate-as-fire-approaches-270749">Australian bushfires</a> will take a 'full circuit' and return to the nation from the west, NASA said on its website.

The smoke has spread into the lower stratosphere and has reached 17.7 kilometres above sea level.&nbsp;

Nasa said that ''once it has entered the stratosphere, it can affect the atmospheric conditions globally by travelling around thousand of miles''.

<img alt="Bushfire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ce5ec23a-6c3d-4397-8402-e04cb3e9b83d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_31.jpg" />

It was pushed across the Pacific from the eastern coast of Australia where the fire had been blazing for the past three months.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A fleet of NASA satellites 🛰️ working together has been analyzing the aerosols and smoke from the massive fires burning in Australia.<a href="https://t.co/93geNvCBnU">https://t.co/93geNvCBnU</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZedZ199lvJ">pic.twitter.com/ZedZ199lvJ</a>
— NASA Goddard (@NASAGoddard) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAGoddard/status/1215370818156466190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The adverse impact is not merely subjected to its nearby surroundings.

&nbsp;Not only has it visibly darkened the mountaintop snow but it has damaged the air quality in New Zealand.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;''The smoke that plummeted from the bushfire had crossed South America, turning its skies hazy It had already moved halfway across the Earth by January 8'', NASA said.

<img alt="Bushfire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="70794b3e-7c3e-4c65-810a-bbdb1763fe21" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_41.jpg" />

&nbsp;"Unusually large" number of pyrocumulonimbus (pyroCb) events which are fire-generated thunderstorms were produced by the massive bushfire.

&nbsp;A group of NASA satellites working together has been analyzing the aerosols and smoke from the massive fires burning in Australia.&nbsp;

<img alt="NASA published pictures of the damade made by Australain bushfires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="558b3e67-890e-4bf8-86b8-8c98bea1d5c2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2839%29_0.jpg" />

&nbsp;Colin Seftor, a research scientist at Goddard said, “the higher the smoke plume, the larger the aerosol index value. Values over 10 are often associated with such events. The aerosol index values produced by some of the Australian pyroCb events have rivalled that largest values ever recorded.”

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/satellite-images-reveal-the-extent-of-australian-bushfire-damage-272645#cost-going-upto-$48559-million-272634">Also see:&nbsp;Satellite images reveal the extent of Australian bushfire damage</a>

The ash and smoke that had risen from the bushfire triggered these thunderstorms which provide a pathway for the smoke to travel more than 10 miles&nbsp;up into the stratosphere.

&nbsp;It was due to this reason that it succeeded in travelling ''halfway around the Earth'' and will eventually return to the nation itself.

The smoke from the Australian bushfires will take a 'full circuit' and return to the nation from the west, NASA said on its website. The smoke has spread into the lower stratosphere and has reached 17.

The smoke from the Australian bushfires will take a 'full circuit' and return to the nation from the west, NASA said on its website. The smoke has spread into the lower stratosphere and has reached 17.7 kilometres above sea level. Nasa said that ''once it has entered the stratosphere, it can affect the atmospheric conditions globally by travelling around thousand of miles''. It was pushed across the Pacific from the eastern coast of Australia where the fire had been blazing for the past three months. A fleet of NASA satellites 🛰️ working together has been analyzing the aerosols and smoke from the massive fires burning in Australia.https://t.co/93geNvCBnU pic.twitter.com/ZedZ199lvJ — NASA Goddard (@NASAGoddard) January 9, 2020 × The adverse impact is not merely subjected to its nearby surroundings. Not only has it visibly darkened the mountaintop snow but it has damaged the air quality in New Zealand. × ''The smoke that plummeted from the bushfire had crossed South America, turning its skies hazy It had already moved halfway across the Earth by January 8'', NASA said. "Unusually large" number of pyrocumulonimbus (pyroCb) events which are fire-generated thunderstorms were produced by the massive bushfire. A group of NASA satellites working together has been analyzing the aerosols and smoke from the massive fires burning in Australia. Colin Seftor, a research scientist at Goddard said, “the higher the smoke plume, the larger the aerosol index value. Values over 10 are often associated with such events. The aerosol index values produced by some of the Australian pyroCb events have rivalled that largest values ever recorded.” Also see: Satellite images reveal the extent of Australian bushfire damage The ash and smoke that had risen from the bushfire triggered these thunderstorms which provide a pathway for the smoke to travel more than 10 miles up into the stratosphere. It was due to this reason that it succeeded in travelling ''halfway around the Earth'' and will eventually return to the nation itself.

Australian bushfire smoke will take a 'full circuit' and return to the nation: NASA

Exhausted firefighters said they had finally brought Australia's largest "mega blaze" under control Monday, as wet weather promised to deliver much-needed respite for countryside ravaged by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-as-bushfires-continue-to-rage-one-more-firefighter-dies-2-others-injured-271059">bushfires</a>.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-record-air-pollution-numbers-recorded-in-new-south-wales-sydney-chokes-263757">New South Wales</a> firefighters said they finally had the upper hand in the fight against the vast c fire on Sydney's northwestern outskirts, which has been burning out of control for almost three months.

Visiting the area on Monday, New South Wales Rural Fire Service Commissioner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-firefighters-get-brief-reprieve-as-death-toll-rises-272175">Shane Fitzsimmons</a> said there was a "small area of burning still to complete" but the "containment prognosis looks promising."

The fire seared an area of the national park three times the size of Greater London and lit several connected blazes totaling over 800,000 hectares&nbsp;an area larger than Austria.&nbsp;

<img alt="Australian bushfires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cdbeee10-171b-42c3-9a67-3dc94e020509" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%289%29_12.jpg" />

As residents and authorities continued to come to grips with the sheer scale of the devastation, the Bureau of Meteorology forecast some fire grounds could get up to 50 millimeters (two inches) of rain in the next week, a relief after a prolonged drought.

If that forecast bears out, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service said, "then this will be all of our Christmas, birthday, engagement, anniversary, wedding and graduation presents rolled into one. Fingers crossed."

Dozens of other fires are yet to be controlled.

The climate-change-fuelled fires have prompted an international outpouring and donations from around the world to help communities and animal populations.

Australia's unique flora and fauna have taken a catastrophic hit, with an estimated one billion animals killed, and countless trees and shrubs burned away.

The country's environment minister Sussan Ley has warned that in some areas, koalas may have to be reclassified as endangered.

This weekend, Sydney will host a star-studded charity gig to benefit fire services, the Red Cross and animal welfare organisations.&nbsp;

Headliners include Alice Cooper, Olivia Newton-John and Queen.

<img alt="Australian bushfires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c48f21cd-d04b-4cdc-bcaf-8b219ca88da8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_11.jpg" />

The political impact of the crisis is also coming into sharper relief.

A poll released Monday showed Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australian-pm-scott-morrison-to-visit-india-in-january-269023">Scott Morrison</a>'s approval ratings have nosedived in the face of widespread anger over his handling of the deadly crisis.

The Newspoll survey showed 59 percent of Australian voters are dissatisfied with the conservative leader's performance overall, and only 37 percent were satisfied, an abrupt reversal since his shock election win last May.

Morrison has been criticised heavily for his response to the months-long crisis -- which included going on holiday to Hawaii, making a series of gaffes and misleading statements about his government's actions, and forcing angry victims to shake his hand.

Morrison began the crisis insisting local authorities had enough resources to handle the fires and exhausted volunteers firefighters "want to be there".&nbsp;

He also repeatedly stated that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-new-warnings-issued-by-authorities-with-rekindled-bushfire-273230">Australia</a> was doing more than enough to meet its emission reduction targets, prompting a series of large-scale street protests.

Seeing a backlash, Morrison has since deployed the military, launched the largest peacetime call up of reserves, pledged billions of dollars in aid, increased payments to firefighters, and suggested more work may need to be done on emissions.

Exhausted firefighters said they had finally brought Australia's largest "mega blaze" under control Monday, as wet weather promised to deliver much-needed respite for countryside ravaged by bushfires.

Exhausted firefighters said they had finally brought Australia's largest "mega blaze" under control Monday, as wet weather promised to deliver much-needed respite for countryside ravaged by bushfires. New South Wales firefighters said they finally had the upper hand in the fight against the vast c fire on Sydney's northwestern outskirts, which has been burning out of control for almost three months. Visiting the area on Monday, New South Wales Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said there was a "small area of burning still to complete" but the "containment prognosis looks promising." The fire seared an area of the national park three times the size of Greater London and lit several connected blazes totaling over 800,000 hectares an area larger than Austria. As residents and authorities continued to come to grips with the sheer scale of the devastation, the Bureau of Meteorology forecast some fire grounds could get up to 50 millimeters (two inches) of rain in the next week, a relief after a prolonged drought. If that forecast bears out, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service said, "then this will be all of our Christmas, birthday, engagement, anniversary, wedding and graduation presents rolled into one. Fingers crossed." Dozens of other fires are yet to be controlled. The climate-change-fuelled fires have prompted an international outpouring and donations from around the world to help communities and animal populations. Australia's unique flora and fauna have taken a catastrophic hit, with an estimated one billion animals killed, and countless trees and shrubs burned away. The country's environment minister Sussan Ley has warned that in some areas, koalas may have to be reclassified as endangered. This weekend, Sydney will host a star-studded charity gig to benefit fire services, the Red Cross and animal welfare organisations. Headliners include Alice Cooper, Olivia Newton-John and Queen. The political impact of the crisis is also coming into sharper relief. A poll released Monday showed Prime Minister Scott Morrison's approval ratings have nosedived in the face of widespread anger over his handling of the deadly crisis. The Newspoll survey showed 59 percent of Australian voters are dissatisfied with the conservative leader's performance overall, and only 37 percent were satisfied, an abrupt reversal since his shock election win last May. Morrison has been criticised heavily for his response to the months-long crisis -- which included going on holiday to Hawaii, making a series of gaffes and misleading statements about his government's actions, and forcing angry victims to shake his hand. Morrison began the crisis insisting local authorities had enough resources to handle the fires and exhausted volunteers firefighters "want to be there". He also repeatedly stated that Australia was doing more than enough to meet its emission reduction targets, prompting a series of large-scale street protests. Seeing a backlash, Morrison has since deployed the military, launched the largest peacetime call up of reserves, pledged billions of dollars in aid, increased payments to firefighters, and suggested more work may need to be done on emissions.

Australian 'megablaze' brought under control

A political poll showed&nbsp;Australian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-proposes-high-powered-inquiry-into-bushfires-response-273680">Scott Morrison</a>'s popularity declined sharply as his government grappled with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-bushfires-2000-homes-destroyed-military-buries-4000-animals-to-prevent-diseases-272607">bushfires crisis</a> that has killed 28 people and destroyed 2,000 homes.

Monday's Newspoll comes as officials confirmed 11.2 million hectares have now been razed by fires that have been burning for months, nearly half the area of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/royal-family-fallout-uks-queen-elizabeth-calls-prince-harry-for-crisis-meeting-273672">United Kingdom</a>.

Morrison has come under attack for being slow to respond to an unprecedented crisis, even taking a family holiday to Hawaii while fires were burning.

Also watch:&nbsp;Australia Bushfires: Over 50,000 Sq Km of land consumed by fire

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&nbsp;

He acknowledged during a television interview on Sunday that he had made some mistakes.

"We have heard the message loud and clear from the&nbsp;Australian people," Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said on Monday, when asked about the poll result as he announced a A$50 million wildlife protection fund.

"They want to see a Federal Government adopt a very direct response to these natural and national disasters," Frydenberg said.

The Newspoll showed Morrison's approval rating dropped 8 points to the lowest level since he took over leadership of the Liberal Party in August 2018.

He was overtaken by Labour leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-leader-curtails-holiday-as-firefighters-killed-in-huge-blazes-269260">Anthony Albanese</a>. No margin of error was provided for the poll, which surveyed 1,505 people from Wednesday to Saturday, although it was about 2.5 percentage points in previous Newspolls.

The poll was taken after Morrison announced a A$2 billion bushfire recovery fund and called out 3,000 army reservists to back up state emergency workers - responses that were viewed as too slow.

Morrison said on Sunday he would take a proposal to Cabinet to hold a Royal Commission national inquiry into the bushfires, including examining the response to the crisis, the role and powers of the federal government and the impact of climate change.

After weeks of raging fires whipped up by erratic winds and temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), conditions eased over the weekend with showers forecast for New South Wales (NSW), the worst hit state, over the next few days.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-megablaze-brought-under-control-273841">Australian 'megablaze' brought under control</a>

"If this BOM (Bureau of Metereology) rainfall forecast comes to fruition then this will be all of our Christmas, birthday, engagement, anniversary, wedding and graduation presents rolled into one. Fingers crossed," the NSW Rural Fire Service said on Twitter.

Here are key events in the crisis:

*Frydenberg announced A$50 million in funding on Monday for protecting wildlife and restoring damaged habitat, with a focus on threatened species, like koalas, with heartbreaking images of rescues of burned animals having gone viral around the world.

*Since October, thousands of&nbsp;Australians have been subjected to repeat evacuations as huge and unpredictable fires scorched more than 11.2 million hectares, an area nearly half the size of the United Kingdom.

*Across New South Wales, 111 fires were still burning late on Sunday, 40 of them not yet contained, but none at emergency level.

*A number of fires burning in the Snowy Mountains region in New South Wales and into Victoria have merged across more than 600,000 hectares (1.5 million acres) of land. They do not pose a threat, authorities say, despite being in an area hard to reach.

*The government said on Sunday it would provide A$76 million&nbsp;for mental health counselling and healthcare consultations to firefighters, emergency workers, individuals and communities.

*Western&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;Department of Fire and Emergency Services said on Sunday an out-of-control and unpredictable fire that is moving slowly in the state's south, poses a possible threat to lives and homes in the area.

*South&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;said on Sunday that more than 32,000 livestock animals, mostly sheep, had died in recent fires on Kangaroo Island, while fire services are working to strengthen containment lines ahead of expected worsening weather conditions on Monday.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/satellite-images-reveal-the-extent-of-australian-bushfire-damage-272645">Satellite images reveal the extent of Australian bushfire damage</a>

*Thousands of&nbsp;Australians took to the streets on Friday to protest against government inaction on climate change, and were supported by protesters in London.

*Australia's wildfires have dwarfed other recent catastrophic blazes, with its burnt terrain more than twice the extent of that ravaged by 2019 fires in Brazil, California and Indonesia combined.

*Westpac estimated total bushfire losses to date at about A$5 billion, higher than the 2009 bushfires in Victoria but smaller than the Queensland floods in 2010/11. It forecast a hit of 0.2 percent&nbsp;to 0.5 percent&nbsp;on gross domestic product.

*The Insurance Council of&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;increased to more than A$900 million its estimate of damage claims from the fires, and they are expected to jump further.

*About 100 firefighters from the United States and Canada are helping, with 140 more expected in coming weeks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-strengthens-bushfire-defences-as-economic-environmental-costs-mount-272815">Australia strengthens bushfire defences as economic, environmental costs mount</a>

*The fires have emitted 400 megatonnes of carbon dioxide and produced harmful pollutants, the European Union's Copernicus monitoring programme said.

*Smoke has drifted across the Pacific, affecting cities in South America, and may have reached the Antarctic, the United Nations' World Meteorological Organization said.

A political poll showed Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's popularity declined sharply as his government grappled with a bushfires crisis that has killed 28 people and destroyed 2,000 homes.

A political poll showed Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison's popularity declined sharply as his government grappled with a bushfires crisis that has killed 28 people and destroyed 2,000 homes. Monday's Newspoll comes as officials confirmed 11.2 million hectares have now been razed by fires that have been burning for months, nearly half the area of the United Kingdom. Morrison has come under attack for being slow to respond to an unprecedented crisis, even taking a family holiday to Hawaii while fires were burning. Also watch: Australia Bushfires: Over 50,000 Sq Km of land consumed by fire × He acknowledged during a television interview on Sunday that he had made some mistakes. "We have heard the message loud and clear from the Australian people," Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said on Monday, when asked about the poll result as he announced a A$50 million wildlife protection fund. "They want to see a Federal Government adopt a very direct response to these natural and national disasters," Frydenberg said. The Newspoll showed Morrison's approval rating dropped 8 points to the lowest level since he took over leadership of the Liberal Party in August 2018. He was overtaken by Labour leader Anthony Albanese. No margin of error was provided for the poll, which surveyed 1,505 people from Wednesday to Saturday, although it was about 2.5 percentage points in previous Newspolls. The poll was taken after Morrison announced a A$2 billion bushfire recovery fund and called out 3,000 army reservists to back up state emergency workers - responses that were viewed as too slow. Morrison said on Sunday he would take a proposal to Cabinet to hold a Royal Commission national inquiry into the bushfires, including examining the response to the crisis, the role and powers of the federal government and the impact of climate change. After weeks of raging fires whipped up by erratic winds and temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), conditions eased over the weekend with showers forecast for New South Wales (NSW), the worst hit state, over the next few days. Also read: Australian 'megablaze' brought under control "If this BOM (Bureau of Metereology) rainfall forecast comes to fruition then this will be all of our Christmas, birthday, engagement, anniversary, wedding and graduation presents rolled into one. Fingers crossed," the NSW Rural Fire Service said on Twitter. Here are key events in the crisis: *Frydenberg announced A$50 million in funding on Monday for protecting wildlife and restoring damaged habitat, with a focus on threatened species, like koalas, with heartbreaking images of rescues of burned animals having gone viral around the world. *Since October, thousands of Australians have been subjected to repeat evacuations as huge and unpredictable fires scorched more than 11.2 million hectares, an area nearly half the size of the United Kingdom. *Across New South Wales, 111 fires were still burning late on Sunday, 40 of them not yet contained, but none at emergency level. *A number of fires burning in the Snowy Mountains region in New South Wales and into Victoria have merged across more than 600,000 hectares (1.5 million acres) of land. They do not pose a threat, authorities say, despite being in an area hard to reach. *The government said on Sunday it would provide A$76 million for mental health counselling and healthcare consultations to firefighters, emergency workers, individuals and communities. *Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services said on Sunday an out-of-control and unpredictable fire that is moving slowly in the state's south, poses a possible threat to lives and homes in the area. *South Australia said on Sunday that more than 32,000 livestock animals, mostly sheep, had died in recent fires on Kangaroo Island, while fire services are working to strengthen containment lines ahead of expected worsening weather conditions on Monday. Also see: Satellite images reveal the extent of Australian bushfire damage *Thousands of Australians took to the streets on Friday to protest against government inaction on climate change, and were supported by protesters in London. *Australia's wildfires have dwarfed other recent catastrophic blazes, with its burnt terrain more than twice the extent of that ravaged by 2019 fires in Brazil, California and Indonesia combined. *Westpac estimated total bushfire losses to date at about A$5 billion, higher than the 2009 bushfires in Victoria but smaller than the Queensland floods in 2010/11. It forecast a hit of 0.2 percent to 0.5 percent on gross domestic product. *The Insurance Council of Australia increased to more than A$900 million its estimate of damage claims from the fires, and they are expected to jump further. *About 100 firefighters from the United States and Canada are helping, with 140 more expected in coming weeks. Also read: Australia strengthens bushfire defences as economic, environmental costs mount *The fires have emitted 400 megatonnes of carbon dioxide and produced harmful pollutants, the European Union's Copernicus monitoring programme said. *Smoke has drifted across the Pacific, affecting cities in South America, and may have reached the Antarctic, the United Nations' World Meteorological Organization said.

Australian Prime Minister's approval rating singed by bushfires

After weeks of criticism over the handling of the&nbsp;bushfires&nbsp;scorching Australia, Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-thousands-take-streets-to-call-for-climate-action-demands-pms-resgination-273496">Scott Morrison</a> said on Sunday he will propose a national review into the&nbsp;response&nbsp;to the disaster, as the fires claimed another firefighter's life.

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We will continue to do whatever is needed to support those Australians affected and traumatised by these bushfires by rebuilding communities and helping people in need to recover ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/krEd48rwyF">https://t.co/krEd48rwyF</a>
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP/status/1216178671658004481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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With the&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-thousands-take-streets-to-call-for-climate-action-demands-pms-resgination-273496">bush burning</a> for nearly three months now, killing 28 people, claiming 2,000 homes and raging across millions of acres of land and wildlife, the crisis is becoming increasingly political.

Morrison said he would propose a powerful judicial&nbsp;enquiry, known as the Royal Commission, into the handling of the fires.

<img alt="A burnt tree is seen outside Mallacoota, Victoria, Australia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1e1f9080-61da-4510-9434-36b5560925dc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2835%29_1.jpg" /> 
[ A burnt tree is seen outside Mallacoota, Victoria, Australia (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

"There is obviously a need for a national review of the&nbsp;response," Morrison said in an interview with ABC television.

Asked whether it should be a Royal Commission, Morrison said, "I think that is what would be necessary and I will be taking a proposal through the cabinet to that end, but it must be done with consultations with the states and territories."

Cooler <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-bushfires-cooler-temperature-and-rainfall-ease-conditions-ahead-of-rough-night-273517">weather conditions</a> have brought a temporary respite for many of Australia's burning areas over the weekend, but a firefighter died on duty in Victoria, where new flames sparked and authorities said lives and homes are still under threat.

Authorities said the risk was far from over and more hot weather is expected.

Facing increasing pressure to do more to tackle climate change, Morrison, who has so far been defiant in rejecting any links between his government's conservative climate policies and the&nbsp;bushfires, said his government will look into improving its performance on curbing emissions.

"We want to reduce emissions and do the best job we possibly can and get better and better and better at it," he said. "I want to do that with a balanced policy which recognises Australia's broader national economic interests and social interest."

While his office earlier on Sunday said that more mental health services will become available to the people affected by the fires, Morrison rejected criticism that his government had not done enough before the bushfire season started.

But he admitted that once the fires started, some&nbsp;responses could have been different.

"There are things I could have handled on the ground much better," he said. "These are sensitive environments, there are very emotional environments; prime ministers are flesh and blood too in how they engage with people."

After weeks of criticism over the handling of the bushfires scorching Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Sunday he will propose a national review into the response to the disaster, as the fires claimed another firefighter's life.

After weeks of criticism over the handling of the bushfires scorching Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Sunday he will propose a national review into the response to the disaster, as the fires claimed another firefighter's life. We will continue to do whatever is needed to support those Australians affected and traumatised by these bushfires by rebuilding communities and helping people in need to recover ➡️ https://t.co/krEd48rwyF — Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 12, 2020 × With the Australian bush burning for nearly three months now, killing 28 people, claiming 2,000 homes and raging across millions of acres of land and wildlife, the crisis is becoming increasingly political. Morrison said he would propose a powerful judicial enquiry, known as the Royal Commission, into the handling of the fires. [ A burnt tree is seen outside Mallacoota, Victoria, Australia (Courtesy: Reuters) ] "There is obviously a need for a national review of the response," Morrison said in an interview with ABC television. Asked whether it should be a Royal Commission, Morrison said, "I think that is what would be necessary and I will be taking a proposal through the cabinet to that end, but it must be done with consultations with the states and territories." Cooler weather conditions have brought a temporary respite for many of Australia's burning areas over the weekend, but a firefighter died on duty in Victoria, where new flames sparked and authorities said lives and homes are still under threat. Authorities said the risk was far from over and more hot weather is expected. Facing increasing pressure to do more to tackle climate change, Morrison, who has so far been defiant in rejecting any links between his government's conservative climate policies and the bushfires, said his government will look into improving its performance on curbing emissions. "We want to reduce emissions and do the best job we possibly can and get better and better and better at it," he said. "I want to do that with a balanced policy which recognises Australia's broader national economic interests and social interest." While his office earlier on Sunday said that more mental health services will become available to the people affected by the fires, Morrison rejected criticism that his government had not done enough before the bushfire season started. But he admitted that once the fires started, some responses could have been different. "There are things I could have handled on the ground much better," he said. "These are sensitive environments, there are very emotional environments; prime ministers are flesh and blood too in how they engage with people."

Australian PM Scott Morrison proposes high-powered inquiry into bushfires response

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-thousands-take-streets-to-call-for-climate-action-demands-pms-resgination-273496">Bushfire</a> conditions on Australia's east coast eased on Saturday&nbsp;after&nbsp;a&nbsp;tough&nbsp;night&nbsp;for&nbsp;firefighters, and authorities said they expect to have at least a week of milder weather where they can improve defences against the huge blazes still burning.

A strong southerly wind change on Friday&nbsp;night, with gusts of more than 100 kph (60 mph) recorded, whipped a number of fires up to the emergency warning level, but by Saturday morning cooler temperatures and rainfall had eased conditions.

Watch:&nbsp;Australia fires show no sign of stopping, New warnings issued by authorities

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"A lot of relief for a lot of communities really suffering at this time, but the next few days are (also) looking pretty good," Jonathan How from the Bureau of Meteorology told ABC News television. "Much cooler as well."

New South Wales (NSW) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-bushfires-2000-homes-destroyed-military-buries-4000-animals-to-prevent-diseases-272607">Rural Fire Service</a> Commissioner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-firefighters-get-brief-reprieve-as-death-toll-rises-272175">Shane Fitzsimmons</a> told a media briefing the respite was an opportunity to consolidate and try and&nbsp;get&nbsp;the upper hand on the fires.

"It would appear that we have got at least a week. It will probably be the best seven days we have had without a rise of very dangerous fire ratings," Fitzsimmons said.

Victoria emergency services minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/next-few-hours-could-be-very-challenging-australia-urges-people-to-flee-as-bushfires-rage-273400">Lisa Neville</a> urged communities affected by the fires to use the expected milder weather conditions to check on each other.

"This will leave significant trauma for people to deal with," Neville said at a separate media briefing. "The next few weeks is going to be really important that we look out for each other."

Neville also took on twitter and said that she met with emergency services from France, the UK and the USA to discuss how they can assist with our current bushfires.&nbsp;

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Today I met with emergency services from France, the UK &amp; the USA to discuss how they can assist us with our current bushfires. 
 
Another great example of our emergency services working together to protect our communities. Thank you to all the ES workers, local and international <a href="https://t.co/SqRiHUFy4J">pic.twitter.com/SqRiHUFy4J</a>
— Lisa Neville (@LisanevilleMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/LisanevilleMP/status/1215819667639373824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Since October, 27 people have been killed and thousands subjected to repeat evacuations as huge and unpredictable fires scorched more than 10.3 million hectares (25.5 million acres) of land, an area roughly the size of South Korea.

Australian&nbsp;authorities were clear that the risk was far from over.

"The longer-term forecast, or the outlook rather than a forecast, is for warmer and drier, so we know we have a long way to go," Victoria's emergency management commissioner Andrew Crisp told a media briefing.

"It is great to have some respite now so we can reset and refocus in terms of our operational activities and what we can do to support community, but we will have more hot weather."

Across NSW, nearly 150 fires were still burning as of Saturday morning, more than 60 of which were not contained, but none were at emergency level. Some 2,000 homes have been destroyed so far in the fire-affected areas of the state.

One NSW person suffered serious burns defending a property and was taken to a Sydney hospital on Friday&nbsp;night.

One fire was still burning at emergency level in Victoria on Saturday from a total of about 20 fires burning in the state.

<img alt="Australian bushfires continues to rage on Friday night" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1126a4b9-fa92-42eb-9fad-1e539d9c6cf5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_29.jpg" /> 
[ Australian wildfire&nbsp;continues to rage on Friday night in New South Wales (Courtesy: Reuters)&nbsp;]

A number of fires burning in the Snowy Mountains region in NSW and across into Victoria have merged. The fires that combined have more than 600,000 hectares (1.5 million acres) of land in total. Although the merged fires are burning in a difficult area to&nbsp;get&nbsp;to, authorities said they do not pose an immediate threat.

Thousands of&nbsp;Australians took to the streets on Friday to protest against government inaction on climate change, and were supported by protesters in London.

Westpac estimated total bushfire losses to date at about A$5 billion (£2.64 billion) ($3.4 billion), higher than the 2009 bushfires in Victoria but smaller than the Queensland floods in 2010/11. It forecast a hit of 0.2 per cent&nbsp;to 0.5 per cent&nbsp;on gross domestic product.

Australia's alpine resorts have dusted off winter snowmaking machines to blast ice-cold water onto dry ski slopes as fires threaten the Snowy Mountains region.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-strengthens-bushfire-defences-as-economic-environmental-costs-mount-272815">Insurance Council of Australia</a> increased its estimate of damages claims from the fires to more than A$900 million, with claims expected to jump further.

Health officials in New South Wales urged extra precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.

Australia's wildfires have dwarfed other recent catastrophic blazes, with its burnt terrain more than twice the extent of that ravaged by 2019 fires in Brazil, California and Indonesia combined.

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The $2 billion we've committed is in addition to the Government’s emergency and disaster payments, and the financial support for volunteer firefighters. People affected by the bushfires can claim disaster payments by calling 180 22 66.
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP/status/1214046021761695744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Australia Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-issues-new-evacuation-alerts-as-monster-bushfires-regenerate-273065">Scott Morrison </a>has pledged A$2 billion ($1.4 billion) to a newly created <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/smoke-from-australia-bushfires-reaches-brazil-272837">National Bushfire Recovery Agency</a>.

About 100&nbsp;firefighters&nbsp;from the United States and Canada are helping, with another 140 expected in coming weeks.

The fires have emitted 400 megatonnes of carbon dioxide and produced harmful pollutants, the European Union's Copernicus monitoring programme said.

Smoke has drifted across the Pacific, affecting cities in South America, and may have reached the Antarctic, the UN's World Meteorological Organization said.

Bushfire conditions on Australia's east coast eased on Saturday after a tough night for firefighters, and authorities said they expect to have at least a week of milder weather where they can improve defences against the huge blazes still burning.

Bushfire conditions on Australia's east coast eased on Saturday after a tough night for firefighters, and authorities said they expect to have at least a week of milder weather where they can improve defences against the huge blazes still burning. A strong southerly wind change on Friday night, with gusts of more than 100 kph (60 mph) recorded, whipped a number of fires up to the emergency warning level, but by Saturday morning cooler temperatures and rainfall had eased conditions. Watch: Australia fires show no sign of stopping, New warnings issued by authorities × "A lot of relief for a lot of communities really suffering at this time, but the next few days are (also) looking pretty good," Jonathan How from the Bureau of Meteorology told ABC News television. "Much cooler as well." New South Wales (NSW) Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons told a media briefing the respite was an opportunity to consolidate and try and get the upper hand on the fires. "It would appear that we have got at least a week. It will probably be the best seven days we have had without a rise of very dangerous fire ratings," Fitzsimmons said. Victoria emergency services minister Lisa Neville urged communities affected by the fires to use the expected milder weather conditions to check on each other. "This will leave significant trauma for people to deal with," Neville said at a separate media briefing. "The next few weeks is going to be really important that we look out for each other." Neville also took on twitter and said that she met with emergency services from France, the UK and the USA to discuss how they can assist with our current bushfires. Today I met with emergency services from France, the UK & the USA to discuss how they can assist us with our current bushfires. Another great example of our emergency services working together to protect our communities. Thank you to all the ES workers, local and international pic.twitter.com/SqRiHUFy4J — Lisa Neville (@LisanevilleMP) January 11, 2020 × Since October, 27 people have been killed and thousands subjected to repeat evacuations as huge and unpredictable fires scorched more than 10.3 million hectares (25.5 million acres) of land, an area roughly the size of South Korea. Australian authorities were clear that the risk was far from over. "The longer-term forecast, or the outlook rather than a forecast, is for warmer and drier, so we know we have a long way to go," Victoria's emergency management commissioner Andrew Crisp told a media briefing. "It is great to have some respite now so we can reset and refocus in terms of our operational activities and what we can do to support community, but we will have more hot weather." Across NSW, nearly 150 fires were still burning as of Saturday morning, more than 60 of which were not contained, but none were at emergency level. Some 2,000 homes have been destroyed so far in the fire-affected areas of the state. One NSW person suffered serious burns defending a property and was taken to a Sydney hospital on Friday night. One fire was still burning at emergency level in Victoria on Saturday from a total of about 20 fires burning in the state. [ Australian wildfire continues to rage on Friday night in New South Wales (Courtesy: Reuters) ] A number of fires burning in the Snowy Mountains region in NSW and across into Victoria have merged. The fires that combined have more than 600,000 hectares (1.5 million acres) of land in total. Although the merged fires are burning in a difficult area to get to, authorities said they do not pose an immediate threat. Thousands of Australians took to the streets on Friday to protest against government inaction on climate change, and were supported by protesters in London. Westpac estimated total bushfire losses to date at about A$5 billion (£2.64 billion) ($3.4 billion), higher than the 2009 bushfires in Victoria but smaller than the Queensland floods in 2010/11. It forecast a hit of 0.2 per cent to 0.5 per cent on gross domestic product. Australia's alpine resorts have dusted off winter snowmaking machines to blast ice-cold water onto dry ski slopes as fires threaten the Snowy Mountains region. The Insurance Council of Australia increased its estimate of damages claims from the fires to more than A$900 million, with claims expected to jump further. Health officials in New South Wales urged extra precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. Australia's wildfires have dwarfed other recent catastrophic blazes, with its burnt terrain more than twice the extent of that ravaged by 2019 fires in Brazil, California and Indonesia combined. The $2 billion we've committed is in addition to the Government’s emergency and disaster payments, and the financial support for volunteer firefighters. People affected by the bushfires can claim disaster payments by calling 180 22 66. — Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 6, 2020 × Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison has pledged A$2 billion ($1.4 billion) to a newly created National Bushfire Recovery Agency. About 100 firefighters from the United States and Canada are helping, with another 140 expected in coming weeks. The fires have emitted 400 megatonnes of carbon dioxide and produced harmful pollutants, the European Union's Copernicus monitoring programme said. Smoke has drifted across the Pacific, affecting cities in South America, and may have reached the Antarctic, the UN's World Meteorological Organization said.

Australian bushfires: Firefighters get reprieve after tough night

Amid the raging bushfires in Australia, thousands of protesters marched on Friday to call on the government to take measures to tackle global warming.

The protesters also asked for the government to cut back on fossil fuels.&nbsp;

There has been increasing anger over the devastating wildfires that are&nbsp;raging since weeks now. The fires have killed at least 26 people and over 2,000 homes have been destroyed.

Some Australians accuse the country's Prime Minister&nbsp;Scott Morrison's government of failing to act on climate change and supporting coal mining that has contributed to global warming.

Demonstrators marched with signs reading "change the politics not the climate" and "trust the science". They also called&nbsp;for Morrison to step down.

The severe fire conditions have been fuelled by a prolonged drought and worsened by climate change, with experts warning that such massive blazes were becoming more frequent and intense.

Australia experienced its driest and hottest year on record in 2019, with its highest average maximum temperature of 41.9 degrees Celsius (107.4 degrees Fahrenheit) recorded in mid-December.

The country is one of the world's worst per capita greenhouse gas polluters, due to heavy use of coal-fired power and a relatively small population of around 25 million.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the raging bushfires in Australia, thousands of protesters marched on Friday to call on the government to take measures to tackle global warming. The protesters also asked for the government to cut back on fossil fuels.

Amid the raging bushfires in Australia, thousands of protesters marched on Friday to call on the government to take measures to tackle global warming. The protesters also asked for the government to cut back on fossil fuels. There has been increasing anger over the devastating wildfires that are raging since weeks now. The fires have killed at least 26 people and over 2,000 homes have been destroyed. Some Australians accuse the country's Prime Minister Scott Morrison's government of failing to act on climate change and supporting coal mining that has contributed to global warming. Demonstrators marched with signs reading "change the politics not the climate" and "trust the science". They also called for Morrison to step down. The severe fire conditions have been fuelled by a prolonged drought and worsened by climate change, with experts warning that such massive blazes were becoming more frequent and intense. Australia experienced its driest and hottest year on record in 2019, with its highest average maximum temperature of 41.9 degrees Celsius (107.4 degrees Fahrenheit) recorded in mid-December. The country is one of the world's worst per capita greenhouse gas polluters, due to heavy use of coal-fired power and a relatively small population of around 25 million. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia bushfires: Thousands take streets to call for climate action; demands PM's resgination

Australia urged nearly a quarter of a million people to evacuate their homes on Friday and prepared military backup as authorities said the next few hours could be "very, very challenging" even as rain poured down in some parts.

Defence personnel stood ready to move to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/leonardo-dicaprios-organisation-to-donate-3-million-for-australia-wildfire-relief-273374">bushfire grounds</a> if conditions became extreme, Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters, as soaring temperatures and erratic winds create dangerous conditions.

"Even with rain in Melbourne, even with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-bushfire-shane-warnes-baggy-green-cap-sold-for-over-a1-million-273347">forecast better conditions next week</a>, there is a long way to go in what has been an unprecedented fire event...and, of course, we know that we have many weeks of the fire season to run," Daniel Andrews, the premier of Victoria, told a televised briefing.

"The next few hours are going to be very, very challenging."

While the winds are expected to move through by Saturday morning, Andrews urged residents to stay on high alert and leave the community "if you are told to".

Authorities sent emergency texts to 240,000 people in Victoria, telling them to leave. People in high-risk regions in New South Wales and South Australia were also urged to think about leaving, but officials did not say how many.

Since October, 27 people have been killed and thousands subjected to repeat evacuations as huge and unpredictable fires scorched more than 10.3 million hectares (25.5 million acres) of land, an area roughly the size of South Korea.

In the coastal town of Eden in New South Wales, where the alert status was upgraded to 'watch and act' on Friday evening, smoke filled the horizon as winds blew smoke and ash.

Shereen and Kim Green, who live on a farm with three houses and 50 cattle just outside Eden, were racing to fill two 1,000-litre tanks of water.

"This is to put out the spot fires and we'll be staying up all night to defend our property," said Shereen, as the wind shook her utility vehicle. "We're taking the opportunity while we can."

Sitting under the town's watchtower, another resident Robyn Malcolm said: "If it all goes wrong, we'll dash down to the wharf and get on a tugboat."

Here are key events in the crisis:

* Of 160 fires ablaze across New South Wales (NSW), about 46 were uncontained. Two were burning at an 'emergency level', eight blazes were in the "watch and act" category, with the rest at the "advice" level, the lowest alert rating.

* Neighbouring Victoria had 36 fires, with more than 1.3 million hectares burnt. Nine fires were at an emergency level.

* In the alpine region on the border of the southeastern states of Victoria and New South Wales, two fires were poised to merge and create a blaze over almost 600,000 hectares (1.5 million acres).

* Victoria emergency services minister Lisa Neville said some communities had been provided with large containers of satellite phones, baby formula, food, nappies, and torches in case they are cut off.

* Campaigners protested in Sydney and Melbourne on Friday as part of a wave of demonstrations planned in major world cities, to spotlight concerns about Australia's climate change policies.

* Westpac estimated total bushfire losses to date at about A$5 billion ($3.4 billion), higher than the 2009 bushfires in Victoria but smaller than the Queensland floods in 2010/11. It forecast a hit of 0.2% to 0.5% on gross domestic product.

* Australia's alpine resorts have dusted off winter snowmaking machines to blast ice-cold water onto dry ski slopes as fires threaten the Snowy Mountains region.

* The Insurance Council of Australia increased its estimate of damages claims from the fires to more than A$900 million, with claims expected to jump further.

* Health officials in New South Wales urged extra precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.

* Australia's wildfires have dwarfed other catastrophic blazes, with its burnt terrain more than twice the extent of that ravaged this year by fires in Brazil, California and Indonesia combined.

* Of nine fires in the state of South Australia, one was categorised as an emergency.

* Climate protests were also planned on Friday in cities such as Canberra, targeting the government's handling of the crisis and its position on climate change.

* Prime Minister Morrison said he was considering holding a wide-ranging national inquiry into the bushfires after the immediate crisis passed.

* Just shy of 2,000 homes have been destroyed in New South Wales, state authorities said, half during the past 10 days.

* The Commonwealth Bank of Australia is to donate cricketer Shane Warne's prized "baggy green" cap to a museum after paying more than A$1 million for it at an auction for bushfire relief.

* Authorities have warned that the huge fires, spurred by high temperatures, wind and a three-year drought, will persist until there is substantial rainfall. The weather agency said there was no sign of that for months.

* Ecologists at the University of Sydney have estimated 1 billion animals have been killed or injured in the bushfires, potentially destroying ecosystems.

* Morrison has pledged A$2 billion ($1.4 billion) to a newly created National Bushfire Recovery Agency.

* About 100 firefighters from the United States and Canada are helping, with another 140 expected in coming weeks.

* The fires have emitted 400 megatonnes of carbon dioxide and produced harmful pollutants, the European Union's Copernicus monitoring programme said.

* Smoke has drifted across the Pacific, affecting cities in South America, and may have reached the Antarctic, the U.N.'s World Meteorological Organization said.

Australia urged nearly a quarter of a million people to evacuate their homes on Friday and prepared military backup as authorities said the next few hours could be "very, very challenging" even as rain poured down in some parts.

Australia urged nearly a quarter of a million people to evacuate their homes on Friday and prepared military backup as authorities said the next few hours could be "very, very challenging" even as rain poured down in some parts. Defence personnel stood ready to move to bushfire grounds if conditions became extreme, Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters, as soaring temperatures and erratic winds create dangerous conditions. "Even with rain in Melbourne, even with forecast better conditions next week, there is a long way to go in what has been an unprecedented fire event...and, of course, we know that we have many weeks of the fire season to run," Daniel Andrews, the premier of Victoria, told a televised briefing. "The next few hours are going to be very, very challenging." While the winds are expected to move through by Saturday morning, Andrews urged residents to stay on high alert and leave the community "if you are told to". Authorities sent emergency texts to 240,000 people in Victoria, telling them to leave. People in high-risk regions in New South Wales and South Australia were also urged to think about leaving, but officials did not say how many. Since October, 27 people have been killed and thousands subjected to repeat evacuations as huge and unpredictable fires scorched more than 10.3 million hectares (25.5 million acres) of land, an area roughly the size of South Korea. In the coastal town of Eden in New South Wales, where the alert status was upgraded to 'watch and act' on Friday evening, smoke filled the horizon as winds blew smoke and ash. Shereen and Kim Green, who live on a farm with three houses and 50 cattle just outside Eden, were racing to fill two 1,000-litre tanks of water. "This is to put out the spot fires and we'll be staying up all night to defend our property," said Shereen, as the wind shook her utility vehicle. "We're taking the opportunity while we can." Sitting under the town's watchtower, another resident Robyn Malcolm said: "If it all goes wrong, we'll dash down to the wharf and get on a tugboat." Here are key events in the crisis: * Of 160 fires ablaze across New South Wales (NSW), about 46 were uncontained. Two were burning at an 'emergency level', eight blazes were in the "watch and act" category, with the rest at the "advice" level, the lowest alert rating. * Neighbouring Victoria had 36 fires, with more than 1.3 million hectares burnt. Nine fires were at an emergency level. * In the alpine region on the border of the southeastern states of Victoria and New South Wales, two fires were poised to merge and create a blaze over almost 600,000 hectares (1.5 million acres). * Victoria emergency services minister Lisa Neville said some communities had been provided with large containers of satellite phones, baby formula, food, nappies, and torches in case they are cut off. * Campaigners protested in Sydney and Melbourne on Friday as part of a wave of demonstrations planned in major world cities, to spotlight concerns about Australia's climate change policies. * Westpac estimated total bushfire losses to date at about A$5 billion ($3.4 billion), higher than the 2009 bushfires in Victoria but smaller than the Queensland floods in 2010/11. It forecast a hit of 0.2% to 0.5% on gross domestic product. * Australia's alpine resorts have dusted off winter snowmaking machines to blast ice-cold water onto dry ski slopes as fires threaten the Snowy Mountains region. * The Insurance Council of Australia increased its estimate of damages claims from the fires to more than A$900 million, with claims expected to jump further. * Health officials in New South Wales urged extra precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. * Australia's wildfires have dwarfed other catastrophic blazes, with its burnt terrain more than twice the extent of that ravaged this year by fires in Brazil, California and Indonesia combined. * Of nine fires in the state of South Australia, one was categorised as an emergency. * Climate protests were also planned on Friday in cities such as Canberra, targeting the government's handling of the crisis and its position on climate change. * Prime Minister Morrison said he was considering holding a wide-ranging national inquiry into the bushfires after the immediate crisis passed. * Just shy of 2,000 homes have been destroyed in New South Wales, state authorities said, half during the past 10 days. * The Commonwealth Bank of Australia is to donate cricketer Shane Warne's prized "baggy green" cap to a museum after paying more than A$1 million for it at an auction for bushfire relief. * Authorities have warned that the huge fires, spurred by high temperatures, wind and a three-year drought, will persist until there is substantial rainfall. The weather agency said there was no sign of that for months. * Ecologists at the University of Sydney have estimated 1 billion animals have been killed or injured in the bushfires, potentially destroying ecosystems. * Morrison has pledged A$2 billion ($1.4 billion) to a newly created National Bushfire Recovery Agency. * About 100 firefighters from the United States and Canada are helping, with another 140 expected in coming weeks. * The fires have emitted 400 megatonnes of carbon dioxide and produced harmful pollutants, the European Union's Copernicus monitoring programme said. * Smoke has drifted across the Pacific, affecting cities in South America, and may have reached the Antarctic, the U.N.'s World Meteorological Organization said.

Next few hours could be 'very challenging': Australia urges people to flee as bushfires rage

A row has erupted around the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/smoke-from-australia-bushfires-reaches-brazil-272837">devastating, raging bushfires in Australia</a> as fresh reports inform of more than 180 people being accused of allegedly starting the blazes during the bushfire season.

Australian media on Tuesday reported that as many as 180 people have been arrested for bushfire-related offences of which over 20 people have been charged for deliberately setting up the blazes.&nbsp;

People have also been arrested and charged for not paying heed to fire bans and caution notices put up by the local authorities.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-24-die-in-australia-bushfires-prayforaustralia-trends-on-twitter-272293">devastating bushfires</a> seem to see no signs of abating and have swallowed over 10 million hectares (25.5 million acres) of land, claiming lives of more than 20 people this season and killing around 1 billion animals.

<img alt="australia bushfires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5a3532c2-dbc6-434b-a1f6-036b85b7d999" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/animals%20australia.jpg" />

As per reports, as many as 10,000 camels could be culled in the northwest of South Australia as locals complain thirsty animals, in search of water, are posing a threat to the inhabitants. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/smoke-from-australia-bushfires-reaches-brazil-272837" hreflang="en">Smoke from Australia bushfires reaches Brazil</a>

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The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-strengthens-bushfire-defences-as-economic-environmental-costs-mount-272815">bushfire</a> season in Australia this year started earlier than normal following a three-year drought that has left much of the country's bushland vulnerable to fires.

While thousands have been left homeless, many rural towns have spent days without electricity, telecommunications and, in some cases, drinking water.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he spoke with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday and said that the US and the UK have offered support.

An area as big as South Korea has been destroyed by bushfires in Australia. Satellite imagery captures smoke emanating from the bushfires is travelling through South America.&nbsp;

In the meanwhile, authorities have predicted another temperature spike as soon as January 10, with little rain indicating a return to hazardous conditions.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

A row has erupted around the devastating, raging bushfires in Australia as fresh reports inform of more than 180 people being accused of allegedly starting the blazes during the bushfire season.

A row has erupted around the devastating, raging bushfires in Australia as fresh reports inform of more than 180 people being accused of allegedly starting the blazes during the bushfire season. Australian media on Tuesday reported that as many as 180 people have been arrested for bushfire-related offences of which over 20 people have been charged for deliberately setting up the blazes. People have also been arrested and charged for not paying heed to fire bans and caution notices put up by the local authorities. The devastating bushfires seem to see no signs of abating and have swallowed over 10 million hectares (25.5 million acres) of land, claiming lives of more than 20 people this season and killing around 1 billion animals. As per reports, as many as 10,000 camels could be culled in the northwest of South Australia as locals complain thirsty animals, in search of water, are posing a threat to the inhabitants. Also read: Smoke from Australia bushfires reaches Brazil × The bushfire season in Australia this year started earlier than normal following a three-year drought that has left much of the country's bushland vulnerable to fires. While thousands have been left homeless, many rural towns have spent days without electricity, telecommunications and, in some cases, drinking water. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he spoke with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday and said that the US and the UK have offered support. An area as big as South Korea has been destroyed by bushfires in Australia. Satellite imagery captures smoke emanating from the bushfires is travelling through South America. In the meanwhile, authorities have predicted another temperature spike as soon as January 10, with little rain indicating a return to hazardous conditions. (With inputs from Reuters)

Australia bushfires: Over 180 people arrested for blaze-related crimes, deliberately starting fire 

Around two thousand homes have been destroyed in the deadly Australian wildfires that has&nbsp;ripped more than 8 million hectares of land in New South Wales and Victoria. According to reports, the bushfires have wiped&nbsp;out 480 million&nbsp;animals, killing at least 25&nbsp;people.&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>With temperatures rising due to the bushfires, forecasters fear more&nbsp;fires are expected which is likely to form a new “mega blaze”&nbsp;along the New South Wales border. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The cloud of smoke caused by the wildfires was spotted as far as in Chile and Argentina. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>An estimated $485.59 million or more will be required to cover the damage caused by the catastrophic bushfires, as per the reports of Insurance Council of Australia. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently instituted ''National Bushfire Recovery Agency''. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>An insured loss of $375 million has been estimated as 5,850 fire-related insurance claims have been lodged since early November last year. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>PM Scott Morrison is set to meet insurance and bank executives to discuss the ongoing crisis.</li>
</ul>

Watch:&nbsp;Australia Bushfires: Scott Morrison announces new recovery agency

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Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-bushfires-2000-homes-destroyed-military-buries-4000-animals-to-prevent-diseases-272607">Australian bushfires: 2,000 homes destroyed; military buries 4,000 animals to prevent diseases</a>

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-update-authorities-race-to-reopen-blocked-roads-evacuate-people-272450">Australia bushfires update: Authorities race to reopen blocked roads, evacuate people</a>

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/everythings-just-gone-weve-got-nothing-aish-australian-bushfire-victim-272566">'Everything's just gone, we’ve got nothing': Australian bushfire victim</a>

(With Inputs from AFP) 
&nbsp;

Around two thousand homes have been destroyed in the deadly Australian wildfires that has ripped more than 8 million hectares of land in New South Wales and Victoria.

Around two thousand homes have been destroyed in the deadly Australian wildfires that has ripped more than 8 million hectares of land in New South Wales and Victoria. According to reports, the bushfires have wiped out 480 million animals, killing at least 25 people. With temperatures rising due to the bushfires, forecasters fear more fires are expected which is likely to form a new “mega blaze” along the New South Wales border. The cloud of smoke caused by the wildfires was spotted as far as in Chile and Argentina. An estimated $485.59 million or more will be required to cover the damage caused by the catastrophic bushfires, as per the reports of Insurance Council of Australia. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently instituted ''National Bushfire Recovery Agency''. An insured loss of $375 million has been estimated as 5,850 fire-related insurance claims have been lodged since early November last year. PM Scott Morrison is set to meet insurance and bank executives to discuss the ongoing crisis. Watch: Australia Bushfires: Scott Morrison announces new recovery agency × Read More: Australian bushfires: 2,000 homes destroyed; military buries 4,000 animals to prevent diseases Read More: Australia bushfires update: Authorities race to reopen blocked roads, evacuate people Read More: 'Everything's just gone, we’ve got nothing': Australian bushfire victim (With Inputs from AFP)

Australia bushfires update: Forecasters fear 'mega blaze' along New South Wales

Just when John Aish and his partner Jenny Shea thought they had beaten the inferno ravaging their two properties in Australia's southeast on New Year's Eve, a roaring fireball came through forcing them to flee.

Aish and Shea did not see each other until the following morning. They are now camping near <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-scrambles-to-reach-thousands-stranded-by-bushfires-at-least-8-dead-271387">Cobargo</a>, about 10 km (6.2 miles) away from their hometown of Wandella.

"We tried really hard. We thought we’d had it beat but the big fireballs came and I said, 'come on kids, we got to go'," Shea told reporters.

"Glad we got out when we did."

Fires have ripped through more than 8 million hectares (19.8 million acres) of land this summer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/making-sense-of-australias-bushfire-crisis-means-asking-hard-questions-and-listening-to-the-answers-272544">fire season</a>, an area nearly the size of Austria, razing thousands of buildings and leaving some towns without electricity and mobile coverage.

Watch:&nbsp;Much needed respite from bushfires in Australia

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"Everything’s just gone. We’ve got nothing," Aish said.

Police on Monday confirmed the death of a 71-year-old man on the south coast of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-update-authorities-race-to-reopen-blocked-roads-evacuate-people-272450">New South Wales</a> (NSW) state who was reported missing on December&nbsp;31, bringing the death toll to 25.

Among those dead were Aish and Shea's neighbors, a father and a son, killed that same night battling the fires.

"I’d say, like a hurricane. Just bloody quick and, just hard to describe," Aish told reporters as he described the fire.

"The noise was just like a bloody jet, jet engine like just got louder and louder and, just the roar of the wind and that sort of thing."

Just when John Aish and his partner Jenny Shea thought they had beaten the inferno ravaging their two properties in Australia's southeast on New Year's Eve, a roaring fireball came through forcing them to flee.

Just when John Aish and his partner Jenny Shea thought they had beaten the inferno ravaging their two properties in Australia's southeast on New Year's Eve, a roaring fireball came through forcing them to flee. Aish and Shea did not see each other until the following morning. They are now camping near Cobargo, about 10 km (6.2 miles) away from their hometown of Wandella. "We tried really hard. We thought we’d had it beat but the big fireballs came and I said, 'come on kids, we got to go'," Shea told reporters. "Glad we got out when we did." Fires have ripped through more than 8 million hectares (19.8 million acres) of land this summer fire season, an area nearly the size of Austria, razing thousands of buildings and leaving some towns without electricity and mobile coverage. Watch: Much needed respite from bushfires in Australia × "Everything’s just gone. We’ve got nothing," Aish said. Police on Monday confirmed the death of a 71-year-old man on the south coast of New South Wales (NSW) state who was reported missing on December 31, bringing the death toll to 25. Among those dead were Aish and Shea's neighbors, a father and a son, killed that same night battling the fires. "I’d say, like a hurricane. Just bloody quick and, just hard to describe," Aish told reporters as he described the fire. "The noise was just like a bloody jet, jet engine like just got louder and louder and, just the roar of the wind and that sort of thing."

'Everything's just gone, we’ve got nothing': Australian bushfire victim

A dangerous fire flared up in&nbsp;southeastern&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;on Sunday even as cooler conditions elsewhere allowed authorities to begin assessing the&nbsp;damage&nbsp;from heatwave-spurred blazes that swept through two states on Saturday.

Officials told residents and others in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-wildfires-developing-their-own-weather-systems-authorities-272116">New&nbsp;South Wales</a> (NSW) state town of Eden to leave immediately and head north if they did not have a&nbsp;bushfire&nbsp;response plan.

"If your plan is to leave, or you are not prepared, leave towards Merimbula or Pambula," the Rural Fire Service said in an alert.

Tens of thousands of homes in both NSW and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-will-never-go-back-traumatised-bushfire-evacuees-land-in-melbourne-272142">Victoria</a> states were without power on Sunday as a large-scale military and police effort continued to provide supplies and evacuate thousands of people who have been trapped for days in coastal towns by the fires.

Initial estimates put&nbsp;damaged or destroyed properties in the hundreds, but authorities said the mass evacuations by residents of at-risk areas appear to have prevented the major loss of life. Twenty-four people have been killed since the start of this year's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-calls-in-reserve-forces-to-tackle-bushfire-crisis-272029">wildfire season</a>.

Sunday's cooler temperatures and light rain forecast in some coastal areas in coming days could bring some relief, but officials said that would not be enough to bring the almost 200 fires still burning under control.

Fire officials said the next major flashpoint would come later in the week, but it was too early to gauge the likely severity of the threat.

"The weather activity we're seeing, the extent and spread of the fires, the speed at which they're going, the way in which they are attacking communities who have never ever seen fire before is unprecedented," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

Thousands of people have been evacuated from coastal towns at the peak of the summer holiday season, in one of the biggest coordinated operations since the evacuation of Darwin after Cyclone Tracy flattened the northern city in 1974.

Australia&nbsp;has been battling blazes across much of its east coast for months, with experts saying climate change has been a major factor in a three-year drought that has left much of the country's bushland tinder-dry and susceptible to fires.

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australian-prime-minister-scott-morrison-defers-trip-to-india-japan-as-bushfire-crisis-looms-272011">Scott Morrison</a> said Singapore and Papua&nbsp;New&nbsp;Guinea have made offers of military support;&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand was sending an additional three Air Force helicopters and crews, two Army Combat Engineer Sections and a command element to support&nbsp;Australian Defence efforts.

In the Southern Highlands region south of Sydney, a&nbsp;new&nbsp;fire was burning out of control after the winds helped drive an existing blaze to jump the Shoalhaven and Kangaroo rivers.

Another fire near the southern coastal town of Eden was at an Emergency level, and the ABC reported police have warned people should leave for evacuation centres.

Five fires in Victoria had Evacuate Now or Emergency Level warnings.

Haze from the fires was turning skies orange in&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand; police there asked people to not call the emergency phone number.

The death of a 47-year old man who was defending a friend's rural property in NSW took the national toll this season to 24. NSW <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-dead-several-missing-as-australia-counts-the-cost-of-devastating-bushfires-271335">Premier Berejiklian</a> said there was no one unaccounted for in NSW; Victorian authorities said seven people were unaccounted for in Victoria.

The federal government on Saturday announced an unprecedented call up of army reservists to support firefighters as well other resources including a third navy ship equipped for disaster and humanitarian relief. It also announced the creation of a federal&nbsp;bushfires response agency.&nbsp;

RFS Commissioner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-firefighters-get-brief-reprieve-as-death-toll-rises-272175">Fitzsimmons</a> criticised the government for not informing him of its policy proposal, saying he found out about it from the media and it created confusion on one of the busiest days ever for fighting fires.

PM Morrison faced criticism for a video he posted on social media outlining how the government is tackling the fires. Morrison has been under sustained attack handling of the crisis after he jetted out for a family holiday in Hawaii. He apologised and returned early but was heckled and snubbed when he toured fire-hit regions in recent days.

More than 5.25 million hectares (13 million acres) of land has been burnt this fire season. Almost 1,500 homes have been destroyed in NSW state alone.

A dangerous fire flared up in southeastern Australia on Sunday even as cooler conditions elsewhere allowed authorities to begin assessing the damage from heatwave-spurred blazes that swept through two states on Saturday.

A dangerous fire flared up in southeastern Australia on Sunday even as cooler conditions elsewhere allowed authorities to begin assessing the damage from heatwave-spurred blazes that swept through two states on Saturday. Officials told residents and others in the New South Wales (NSW) state town of Eden to leave immediately and head north if they did not have a bushfire response plan. "If your plan is to leave, or you are not prepared, leave towards Merimbula or Pambula," the Rural Fire Service said in an alert. Tens of thousands of homes in both NSW and Victoria states were without power on Sunday as a large-scale military and police effort continued to provide supplies and evacuate thousands of people who have been trapped for days in coastal towns by the fires. Initial estimates put damaged or destroyed properties in the hundreds, but authorities said the mass evacuations by residents of at-risk areas appear to have prevented the major loss of life. Twenty-four people have been killed since the start of this year's wildfire season. Sunday's cooler temperatures and light rain forecast in some coastal areas in coming days could bring some relief, but officials said that would not be enough to bring the almost 200 fires still burning under control. Fire officials said the next major flashpoint would come later in the week, but it was too early to gauge the likely severity of the threat. "The weather activity we're seeing, the extent and spread of the fires, the speed at which they're going, the way in which they are attacking communities who have never ever seen fire before is unprecedented," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said. Thousands of people have been evacuated from coastal towns at the peak of the summer holiday season, in one of the biggest coordinated operations since the evacuation of Darwin after Cyclone Tracy flattened the northern city in 1974. Australia has been battling blazes across much of its east coast for months, with experts saying climate change has been a major factor in a three-year drought that has left much of the country's bushland tinder-dry and susceptible to fires. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Singapore and Papua New Guinea have made offers of military support; New Zealand was sending an additional three Air Force helicopters and crews, two Army Combat Engineer Sections and a command element to support Australian Defence efforts. In the Southern Highlands region south of Sydney, a new fire was burning out of control after the winds helped drive an existing blaze to jump the Shoalhaven and Kangaroo rivers. Another fire near the southern coastal town of Eden was at an Emergency level, and the ABC reported police have warned people should leave for evacuation centres. Five fires in Victoria had Evacuate Now or Emergency Level warnings. Haze from the fires was turning skies orange in New Zealand; police there asked people to not call the emergency phone number. The death of a 47-year old man who was defending a friend's rural property in NSW took the national toll this season to 24. NSW Premier Berejiklian said there was no one unaccounted for in NSW; Victorian authorities said seven people were unaccounted for in Victoria. The federal government on Saturday announced an unprecedented call up of army reservists to support firefighters as well other resources including a third navy ship equipped for disaster and humanitarian relief. It also announced the creation of a federal bushfires response agency. RFS Commissioner Fitzsimmons criticised the government for not informing him of its policy proposal, saying he found out about it from the media and it created confusion on one of the busiest days ever for fighting fires. PM Morrison faced criticism for a video he posted on social media outlining how the government is tackling the fires. Morrison has been under sustained attack handling of the crisis after he jetted out for a family holiday in Hawaii. He apologised and returned early but was heckled and snubbed when he toured fire-hit regions in recent days. More than 5.25 million hectares (13 million acres) of land has been burnt this fire season. Almost 1,500 homes have been destroyed in NSW state alone.

New bushfire flares in southeast Australia as damage assessment begins

As 24 people were killed in massive bushfires that caused great damage in Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Saturday announced the largest military call-up in living memory, deploying up to 3,000 reservists to assist volunteer firefighters. #WION #Australia #PrayForAustralia #AustraliaBushfires #Bushfires

Australia Bushfires: Scott Morrison announces new recovery agency

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Saturday that 3000 military reserves were called up, the largest in living memory, to tackle country's massive bushfires.&nbsp;

"Today's decision puts more boots on the ground, puts more planes in the sky, puts more ships at sea," said Morrison. &nbsp; &nbsp;
<img alt="Australia bushfires" data-align="center" data-caption="&lt;br /&gt;
Ember and thick smoke from bushfires reach Braemar Bay in New South Wales on January 4, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44af4149-fb86-43ed-948e-05bc55228fc4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IS6nURuL.jpg" />
Australian prime minister also said that defence force bases would provide temporary accommodation to the ones rescued and A$20 million ($14 million) would be spent to lease four fire-fighting planes to deal with the raging bushfires.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australian-prime-minister-scott-morrison-defers-trip-to-india-japan-as-bushfire-crisis-looms-272011">Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison defers trip to India, Japan as bushfire crisis looms</a>

"The scale of the fires is stretching resources on the ground and there are clearly communities that need additional help," Morrison added.&nbsp;
<img alt="Australia bushfires" data-align="center" data-caption="Firefighters struggling against the strong wind in an effort to secure nearby houses from bushfires&amp;nbsp;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="88ff8593-46a7-432f-b90e-70e3dfe93aa7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/xMxsb6hq.jpg" />
In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/fierce-wildfires-fuelled-by-searing-temperatures-new-blazes-and-high-winds-in-australia-271558">Fierce wildfires fuelled by searing temperatures, high winds in Australia continue to rage</a>

To oversee the military's actions on the bushfire-crisis, a two-star general has also been appointed. HMAS Adelaide, a helicopter carrier, has also been deployed to carry out evacuations near the border of the states of New South Wales and Victoria. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-navy-evacuates-people-trapped-in-mallacoota-as-bushfires-rage-271833">Australian navy evacuates people trapped in Mallacoota as bushfires rage</a>

Australia's military is providing aerial, search and rescue and logistics support for months to fight the months-long disaster. &nbsp;

Presently, 2000 military personnel have already been assisting to tackle the crisis.&nbsp;

"The Government has not taken this decision lightly," said minister of defence Marise Payne. "It is the first time that reserves have been called out in this way in living memory and, in fact, I believe for the first time in our nation's history."

A much smaller number of the reserved forces provided assistance last year too to deal with bushfire-hit Queensland.&nbsp;

At least 23 people are killed in this season's bushfires, which is fuelled by climate change and droughts. More than 5 million hectares (13 million acres) of land has been destroyed.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP and Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Saturday that 3000 military reserves were called up, the largest in living memory, to tackle country's massive bushfires.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Saturday that 3000 military reserves were called up, the largest in living memory, to tackle country's massive bushfires. "Today's decision puts more boots on the ground, puts more planes in the sky, puts more ships at sea," said Morrison. Australian prime minister also said that defence force bases would provide temporary accommodation to the ones rescued and A$20 million ($14 million) would be spent to lease four fire-fighting planes to deal with the raging bushfires. Also read: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison defers trip to India, Japan as bushfire crisis looms "The scale of the fires is stretching resources on the ground and there are clearly communities that need additional help," Morrison added. In pics: Fierce wildfires fuelled by searing temperatures, high winds in Australia continue to rage To oversee the military's actions on the bushfire-crisis, a two-star general has also been appointed. HMAS Adelaide, a helicopter carrier, has also been deployed to carry out evacuations near the border of the states of New South Wales and Victoria. Also read: Australian navy evacuates people trapped in Mallacoota as bushfires rage Australia's military is providing aerial, search and rescue and logistics support for months to fight the months-long disaster. Presently, 2000 military personnel have already been assisting to tackle the crisis. "The Government has not taken this decision lightly," said minister of defence Marise Payne. "It is the first time that reserves have been called out in this way in living memory and, in fact, I believe for the first time in our nation's history." A much smaller number of the reserved forces provided assistance last year too to deal with bushfire-hit Queensland. At least 23 people are killed in this season's bushfires, which is fuelled by climate change and droughts. More than 5 million hectares (13 million acres) of land has been destroyed. (with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Australia calls in reserve forces to tackle bushfire crisis

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-wildlife-destroyed-by-intense-wildfires-could-take-decades-to-recover-271954">Bushfires</a> burned dangerously out of control on Australia's east coast on Saturday, fanned by high temperatures and strong winds that had firefighters battling to save lives and property, as a change in wind conditions merged several large fire fronts.

By late evening, Victoria had 14 fires rated at emergency or evacuate warning levels, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/toddler-son-receives-posthumous-medal-for-killed-australian-firefighter-271622">New South Wales</a> had 11 rated emergency, with more than 150 others burning across the states. New fires had started, and others had broken containment lines.

"There are a number of fires that are coming together, very strong, very large, intense fires that are creating some of these fire-generated thunderstorms," New South Wales <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-navy-evacuates-people-trapped-in-mallacoota-as-bushfires-rage-271833">Rural Fire Service</a> (RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said at an evening briefing.

"And unfortunately we've still got many hours to go of these elevated and dangerous conditions."

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said conditions were deteriorating rapidly as a gusty southerly wind change pushed up the coast and smoke plumes from the fires triggered storms.

Authorities are worried the fires could turn out to be worse than New Year's Eve when they burnt massive tracts of bushland and forced thousands of residents and summer holidaymakers to seek refuge on beaches.

In Victoria, Premier Daniel Andrews said while conditions were difficult, the job of firefighters had been made easier by tens of thousands of people following advice to evacuate.

It may be Sunday or later before damage assessments can be made. Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-scrambles-to-reach-thousands-stranded-by-bushfires-at-least-8-dead-271387">Scott Morrison</a> put the national death toll from the current fire season, which began in September, at 23. Twelve of those are from this week's fires alone.

In updates, the NSW RFS repeatedly delivered the same blunt advice to those who had not evacuated at-risk areas: "It is too late to leave. Seek shelter as the fire approaches."

Residents used social media to post photos of the sky turning black and red from the smoke and glare of the fires, including in the Victorian town of Mallacoota, where around 1,000 people were evacuated by sea on Friday.

The first of those evacuees arrived near Melbourne on Saturday morning after a 20-hour journey by boat and a second ship with about 1,000 people landed in the afternoon.

The federal government announced an unprecedented call up of army reservists to support firefighters as well other resources including a third navy ship equipped for disaster and humanitarian relief.

Andy Gillham, the incident controller in the Victorian town of Bairnsdale, said the area had avoided the worst of the fires on Saturday but stressed this was an exceptional fire season.

"In a normal year, we would start to see the fire season kick-off in a big way around early January and we're already up towards a million hectares of burnt country. This is a marathon event and we expect to be busy managing these fires for at least the next eight weeks," he said.

<img alt="The sky turns red" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4b9e1139-b51c-418d-b02a-6bd8b6bc57bf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-04T161928.829_2.jpg" /> 
[The sky turns red in New South Wales, Australia. (Courtesy: Reuters)]

Temperatures topped 45C (113F) in much of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bushfires-wildlife-destroyed-by-intense-wildfires-could-take-decades-to-recover-271954">Sydney</a> metropolitan area, with Penrith recording a high of 48.9C (120F) according to the BOM. Canberra, the national capital, recorded a temperature of 44C just after 4 p.m., which the chief minister said was a record for the territory.

As the fires have flared, many towns have been isolated as major and minor roads are closed. Some fires are generating their own storm systems, which create the risk of lightning strikes generating new fires.

A late southerly wind change on Saturday dramatically lowered temperatures but also brought wind gusts of 70-80 km per hour (43-50 miles per hour) that caused some major fires near the border of Victoria and New South Wales states to merge and strengthen.

In South Australia, two people died on Kangaroo Island, a popular holiday spot not far off the coast. South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said more than 100,000 hectares (247,000 acres) have burned there, about one-quarter of the total area.

Six people remain unaccounted for in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-calls-in-reserve-forces-to-tackle-bushfire-crisis-272029">Victoria</a>, Premier Andrews said on Saturday, down from 28 reported on Friday.

The focus on Saturday is preventing more loss of life, authorities said. National parks have been closed and people urged earlier this week to evacuate large parts of NSW's south coast and Victoria's northeastern regions, magnets for holidaymakers at the peak of Australia's summer school holidays.

Morrison confirmed that his visit to India and Japan scheduled for mid-January had been postponed due to the fires.

More than 5.25 million hectares (13 million acres) of land has been burnt this fire season.

Bushfires burned dangerously out of control on Australia's east coast on Saturday, fanned by high temperatures and strong winds that had firefighters battling to save lives and property, as a change in wind conditions merged several large fire fronts.

Bushfires burned dangerously out of control on Australia's east coast on Saturday, fanned by high temperatures and strong winds that had firefighters battling to save lives and property, as a change in wind conditions merged several large fire fronts. By late evening, Victoria had 14 fires rated at emergency or evacuate warning levels, and New South Wales had 11 rated emergency, with more than 150 others burning across the states. New fires had started, and others had broken containment lines. "There are a number of fires that are coming together, very strong, very large, intense fires that are creating some of these fire-generated thunderstorms," New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said at an evening briefing. "And unfortunately we've still got many hours to go of these elevated and dangerous conditions." The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said conditions were deteriorating rapidly as a gusty southerly wind change pushed up the coast and smoke plumes from the fires triggered storms. Authorities are worried the fires could turn out to be worse than New Year's Eve when they burnt massive tracts of bushland and forced thousands of residents and summer holidaymakers to seek refuge on beaches. In Victoria, Premier Daniel Andrews said while conditions were difficult, the job of firefighters had been made easier by tens of thousands of people following advice to evacuate. It may be Sunday or later before damage assessments can be made. Prime Minister Scott Morrison put the national death toll from the current fire season, which began in September, at 23. Twelve of those are from this week's fires alone. In updates, the NSW RFS repeatedly delivered the same blunt advice to those who had not evacuated at-risk areas: "It is too late to leave. Seek shelter as the fire approaches." Residents used social media to post photos of the sky turning black and red from the smoke and glare of the fires, including in the Victorian town of Mallacoota, where around 1,000 people were evacuated by sea on Friday. The first of those evacuees arrived near Melbourne on Saturday morning after a 20-hour journey by boat and a second ship with about 1,000 people landed in the afternoon. The federal government announced an unprecedented call up of army reservists to support firefighters as well other resources including a third navy ship equipped for disaster and humanitarian relief. Andy Gillham, the incident controller in the Victorian town of Bairnsdale, said the area had avoided the worst of the fires on Saturday but stressed this was an exceptional fire season. "In a normal year, we would start to see the fire season kick-off in a big way around early January and we're already up towards a million hectares of burnt country. This is a marathon event and we expect to be busy managing these fires for at least the next eight weeks," he said. [The sky turns red in New South Wales, Australia. (Courtesy: Reuters)] Temperatures topped 45C (113F) in much of the Sydney metropolitan area, with Penrith recording a high of 48.9C (120F) according to the BOM. Canberra, the national capital, recorded a temperature of 44C just after 4 p.m., which the chief minister said was a record for the territory. As the fires have flared, many towns have been isolated as major and minor roads are closed. Some fires are generating their own storm systems, which create the risk of lightning strikes generating new fires. A late southerly wind change on Saturday dramatically lowered temperatures but also brought wind gusts of 70-80 km per hour (43-50 miles per hour) that caused some major fires near the border of Victoria and New South Wales states to merge and strengthen. In South Australia, two people died on Kangaroo Island, a popular holiday spot not far off the coast. South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said more than 100,000 hectares (247,000 acres) have burned there, about one-quarter of the total area. Six people remain unaccounted for in Victoria, Premier Andrews said on Saturday, down from 28 reported on Friday. The focus on Saturday is preventing more loss of life, authorities said. National parks have been closed and people urged earlier this week to evacuate large parts of NSW's south coast and Victoria's northeastern regions, magnets for holidaymakers at the peak of Australia's summer school holidays. Morrison confirmed that his visit to India and Japan scheduled for mid-January had been postponed due to the fires. More than 5.25 million hectares (13 million acres) of land has been burnt this fire season.

Fuelled by high temperatures and strong winds, Australian bushfires continues rage

Over 1,000 residents and vacationers who had been stranded on a beach by bushfires in southeastern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-wildfires-developing-their-own-weather-systems-authorities-272116">Australia</a> landed near Melbourne on Saturday after a 20-hour journey on two ships, relieved to escape terrifying smoke and fire.

Teenagers, couples, seniors and families, plus dozens of pets,113 dogs from dachshunds to Alsatians, three cats, a rabbit and a bird, arrived on the naval ships Sycamore and Choules at a port of Hastings. They were then transferred in buses to two relief centres.

“For someone who’s never been in a fire, it’s very, very, frightening. I’m so happy to be here,” said Emily Wellington, a 16-year-old from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fuelled-by-high-temperatures-and-strong-winds-australian-bushfires-continues-rage-272114">Melbourne</a> who had been in Mallacoota on a two-week holiday with family friends.

She and two other 16-year-olds were among the first 58 evacuated from the smoke-filled town as they have asthma. “They wanted us to get out so we don’t get sick,” Wellington said.

They spoke to reporters outside a relief centre about 65 kilometres (40 miles) southeast of Melbourne shortly after getting off the Sycamore at Hastings.

The Choules, a much bigger ship, arrived on Saturday afternoon with 1,025 evacuees on board.

Two hundred of them headed by bus to Melbourne’s convention centre. Melbourne Mayor Sally Capp greeted them on the bus to let them know they would have access to food, drink, showers, insurance services and Red Cross help.

“I’m sorry you’ve been through such a terrible time,” she said, to applause.

James Corrigan spent a harrowing 24 hours packed with eight friends in a sport utility vehicle on the beach in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-calls-in-reserve-forces-to-tackle-bushfire-crisis-272029">Mallacoota</a> when fires roared through the town on New Year’s Eve. He said it was a relief to be back in Melbourne.

“It was pretty scary. The night before the fire hit, no one got any sleep at all,” he said. “It was pitch black during the day.”

The friends feared for their lives, while they sought shelter near water, he said.

“We were worried the fire would be really hot with embers coming through,” Corrigan told media by phone from the bus.

“There was a period of not knowing how we’d get out,” he said, referring to the days after the fires died down.

One of the teens on the first ship, Darcy Brown, lost her family home in Mallacoota. They had moved in there just a month ago.

“It was so devastating to see. All the tin is flat to the ground. Some of the bricks are still standing,” Brown told reporters.

Vacationers left cars and caravans behind in Mallacoota, not knowing how they will get them back, while some have stayed there while sending children back to Melbourne.

Authorities have said it might take weeks to reopen the one road out of Mallacoota.

One traumatised elderly woman, Rosa, choked up as she talked to reporters about the fires.

“It was terrible. I will never go back,” she said.

But like many others, she praised the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-calls-in-reserve-forces-to-tackle-bushfire-crisis-272029">Australian navy</a> and all the volunteers in the relief effort for bringing them safely back to Melbourne.

“It was so comfortable on the ship,” said teenage evacuee Wellington..

Back in Melbourne, everyone was eager to shower and put their smoke-tainted clothes in the wash. What were they going to do first?

“Hug my parents, definitely,” Wellington said.

Over 1,000 residents and vacationers who had been stranded on a beach by bushfires in southeastern Australia landed near Melbourne on Saturday after a 20-hour journey on two ships, relieved to escape terrifying smoke and fire.

Over 1,000 residents and vacationers who had been stranded on a beach by bushfires in southeastern Australia landed near Melbourne on Saturday after a 20-hour journey on two ships, relieved to escape terrifying smoke and fire. Teenagers, couples, seniors and families, plus dozens of pets,113 dogs from dachshunds to Alsatians, three cats, a rabbit and a bird, arrived on the naval ships Sycamore and Choules at a port of Hastings. They were then transferred in buses to two relief centres. “For someone who’s never been in a fire, it’s very, very, frightening. I’m so happy to be here,” said Emily Wellington, a 16-year-old from Melbourne who had been in Mallacoota on a two-week holiday with family friends. She and two other 16-year-olds were among the first 58 evacuated from the smoke-filled town as they have asthma. “They wanted us to get out so we don’t get sick,” Wellington said. They spoke to reporters outside a relief centre about 65 kilometres (40 miles) southeast of Melbourne shortly after getting off the Sycamore at Hastings. The Choules, a much bigger ship, arrived on Saturday afternoon with 1,025 evacuees on board. Two hundred of them headed by bus to Melbourne’s convention centre. Melbourne Mayor Sally Capp greeted them on the bus to let them know they would have access to food, drink, showers, insurance services and Red Cross help. “I’m sorry you’ve been through such a terrible time,” she said, to applause. James Corrigan spent a harrowing 24 hours packed with eight friends in a sport utility vehicle on the beach in Mallacoota when fires roared through the town on New Year’s Eve. He said it was a relief to be back in Melbourne. “It was pretty scary. The night before the fire hit, no one got any sleep at all,” he said. “It was pitch black during the day.” The friends feared for their lives, while they sought shelter near water, he said. “We were worried the fire would be really hot with embers coming through,” Corrigan told media by phone from the bus. “There was a period of not knowing how we’d get out,” he said, referring to the days after the fires died down. One of the teens on the first ship, Darcy Brown, lost her family home in Mallacoota. They had moved in there just a month ago. “It was so devastating to see. All the tin is flat to the ground. Some of the bricks are still standing,” Brown told reporters. Vacationers left cars and caravans behind in Mallacoota, not knowing how they will get them back, while some have stayed there while sending children back to Melbourne. Authorities have said it might take weeks to reopen the one road out of Mallacoota. One traumatised elderly woman, Rosa, choked up as she talked to reporters about the fires. “It was terrible. I will never go back,” she said. But like many others, she praised the Australian navy and all the volunteers in the relief effort for bringing them safely back to Melbourne. “It was so comfortable on the ship,” said teenage evacuee Wellington.. Back in Melbourne, everyone was eager to shower and put their smoke-tainted clothes in the wash. What were they going to do first? “Hug my parents, definitely,” Wellington said.

'I will never go back': Traumatised bushfire evacuees land in Melbourne

Australia's PM Scott Morrison had to cut short a visit to a town ravaged by fire after angry locals heckled him over the government's response.

Australia fires: Angry residents hurl verbal abuses on PM Scott Morrison

The fierce <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-navy-evacuates-people-trapped-in-mallacoota-as-bushfires-rage-271833">wildfires</a> raging across Australia have estimated to put up a death toll at nearly half a billion animals in one state alone along with the surplus damage that is increasing day by day. Not only it is severely affecting the country's unique flora and fauna but also, impacting the vegetation of the bushlands. Experts believe that it could take&nbsp;decades for wildlife to recover.

Unprecedented temperatures across the continent have made this season's fires particularly deadly, killing at least 20 people and bringing apocalyptic scenes to an area roughly twice the size of Belgium.

The crisis has focused attention on climate change, which scientists say is creating a longer and more <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-orders-mass-evacuation-over-bushfire-danger-military-moves-in-to-help-271499">intense bushfire season</a>, and the Australian government has faced widespread criticism over its response and wider environmental policy.

Watch:&nbsp;Australia bushfires: Koalas &amp; Kangaroos undergo partial burns

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Harrowing footage of desperate koalas drinking from water bottles handed to them by rescuers and kangaroos standing helpless in fire-ravaged towns and charred forests have shocked people across the world.

There is some hope, however, as experts believe scorched forests can recover in time, and decimated populations of koalas, kangaroos and other badly affected species may be able to return.

A University of Sydney study estimates that 480 million animals have been killed in just the state of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-flee-fires-in-australia-navy-helps-evacuate-the-stranded-271716">New South Wales</a> (NSW) since September 2019, and according to a statement released Friday the authors said the "highly conservative" mortality calculations could mean the toll could be "substantially higher".

In order to reach the figure, the researchers cross-referenced estimates of mammal population density in NSW with areas of vegetation known to have been scorched to work out the death toll, which includes mammals, birds and reptiles, but not insects, bats or frogs.

"The true loss of animal life is likely to be much higher than 480 million," the statement said.

"NSW's wildlife is seriously threatened and under increasing pressure from a range of threats, including land clearing, exotic pests and climate change."

Professor Andrew Beattie from Macquarie University near Sydney told media he believes the death toll of animals nationwide could be in the billions, "if you think of mammals, and birds, and reptiles, amphibians and say the larger insects such as butterflies".

"We can be pretty sure that in large parts of these very expansive fires, most of the wildlife will be dead," the emeritus professor from the department of biological sciences said.

"The flora and fauna will be gone, and that includes the smaller animals which form the food chain for the bigger ones, which people often don't think about."

Koala populations have been hit particularly hard because they live in trees, feed only on certain types of eucalypts and cannot move quickly enough away from the flames.

Even before this year's bushfire crisis, numbers in NSW and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/smoke-haze-settles-over-australian-capital-as-bushfires-burn-266894">Queensland</a> had already dropped by 42 per cent between 1990 and 2010, according to the federally threatened species scientific committee.

The plight of the marsupial, native to Australia, has been raised in the country's parliament, with Nature Conservation Council ecologist Mark Graham telling lawmakers: "The fires have burnt so hot and so fast that there has been significant mortality of animals in the trees, but there is such a big area now that is still on fire and still burning that we will probably never find the bodies."

Previous studies have found that fires do not spread across the landscape uniformly, and some places are left unscathed even if areas around them are totally devastated.

"It's those areas that are untouched or have suffered less where wildlife tends to accumulate if they can get there," Beattie told AFP, adding that if there are enough of these, the burnt forests should regenerate over time but only if conditions improve quickly.

Asked if there was hope for the repopulation of animals in the worst-hit areas, Beattie said it depends on factors including rainfall, climate and logging, and it could take up to 40 years for habitats to return to normal.

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-announces-compensation-for-volunteer-firefighters-270788">Scott Morrison's</a> handling of the crisis has provoked fury in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/residents-of-small-australian-communities-told-to-evacuate-as-fire-approaches-270749">Australia</a> and further afield, and Beattie said the response, particularly from the federal government, has been "lamentably slow and their attitude is still lamentably casual".

"You've got federal politicians with very little knowledge of the environment, which is, as we are now discovering 'the real world', and hence have not perceived the oncoming catastrophes."

The fierce wildfires raging across Australia have estimated to put up a death toll at nearly half a billion animals in one state alone along with the surplus damage that is increasing day by day.

The fierce wildfires raging across Australia have estimated to put up a death toll at nearly half a billion animals in one state alone along with the surplus damage that is increasing day by day. Not only it is severely affecting the country's unique flora and fauna but also, impacting the vegetation of the bushlands. Experts believe that it could take decades for wildlife to recover. Unprecedented temperatures across the continent have made this season's fires particularly deadly, killing at least 20 people and bringing apocalyptic scenes to an area roughly twice the size of Belgium. The crisis has focused attention on climate change, which scientists say is creating a longer and more intense bushfire season, and the Australian government has faced widespread criticism over its response and wider environmental policy. Watch: Australia bushfires: Koalas & Kangaroos undergo partial burns × Harrowing footage of desperate koalas drinking from water bottles handed to them by rescuers and kangaroos standing helpless in fire-ravaged towns and charred forests have shocked people across the world. There is some hope, however, as experts believe scorched forests can recover in time, and decimated populations of koalas, kangaroos and other badly affected species may be able to return. A University of Sydney study estimates that 480 million animals have been killed in just the state of New South Wales (NSW) since September 2019, and according to a statement released Friday the authors said the "highly conservative" mortality calculations could mean the toll could be "substantially higher". In order to reach the figure, the researchers cross-referenced estimates of mammal population density in NSW with areas of vegetation known to have been scorched to work out the death toll, which includes mammals, birds and reptiles, but not insects, bats or frogs. "The true loss of animal life is likely to be much higher than 480 million," the statement said. "NSW's wildlife is seriously threatened and under increasing pressure from a range of threats, including land clearing, exotic pests and climate change." Professor Andrew Beattie from Macquarie University near Sydney told media he believes the death toll of animals nationwide could be in the billions, "if you think of mammals, and birds, and reptiles, amphibians and say the larger insects such as butterflies". "We can be pretty sure that in large parts of these very expansive fires, most of the wildlife will be dead," the emeritus professor from the department of biological sciences said. "The flora and fauna will be gone, and that includes the smaller animals which form the food chain for the bigger ones, which people often don't think about." Koala populations have been hit particularly hard because they live in trees, feed only on certain types of eucalypts and cannot move quickly enough away from the flames. Even before this year's bushfire crisis, numbers in NSW and Queensland had already dropped by 42 per cent between 1990 and 2010, according to the federally threatened species scientific committee. The plight of the marsupial, native to Australia, has been raised in the country's parliament, with Nature Conservation Council ecologist Mark Graham telling lawmakers: "The fires have burnt so hot and so fast that there has been significant mortality of animals in the trees, but there is such a big area now that is still on fire and still burning that we will probably never find the bodies." Previous studies have found that fires do not spread across the landscape uniformly, and some places are left unscathed even if areas around them are totally devastated. "It's those areas that are untouched or have suffered less where wildlife tends to accumulate if they can get there," Beattie told AFP, adding that if there are enough of these, the burnt forests should regenerate over time but only if conditions improve quickly. Asked if there was hope for the repopulation of animals in the worst-hit areas, Beattie said it depends on factors including rainfall, climate and logging, and it could take up to 40 years for habitats to return to normal. Prime Minister Scott Morrison's handling of the crisis has provoked fury in Australia and further afield, and Beattie said the response, particularly from the federal government, has been "lamentably slow and their attitude is still lamentably casual". "You've got federal politicians with very little knowledge of the environment, which is, as we are now discovering 'the real world', and hence have not perceived the oncoming catastrophes."

Australia Bushfires: Destroyed wildlife could take decades to recover

Fierce wildfires fuelled by searing temperatures, high winds in Australia continue to rage

The struggles of Australian wildlife to survive as bushfires rage

How tourists, residents battling wild fires in Australia

Thousands of tourists risked being stranded in Australia's southeast Monday, as a new heatwave left <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/christmas-presents-for-australian-firefighters-royal-baking-session-on-christmas-270174">firefighters</a> across the country bracing for another round of potentially catastrophic bushfire.

Hundreds of blazes&nbsp;are burning across Australia, which is experiencing a devastating summer bushfire season fuelled by a prolonged drought and climate change.

More than 30,000 people were told to evacuate&nbsp;Victoria state's popular East Gippsland region Sunday amid fears soaring temperatures and gusting winds would stoke three large blazes, cutting off the last major road still open.

Victoria Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said residents and holidaymakers still in the area faced being stranded as it was now "too late to leave", with his agency warning it was "not possible" to provide aid to all visitors in the area.

Neighbouring South Australia is experiencing "catastrophic" fire conditions in some areas as temperatures reach above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and storms bring damaging winds.

The Country Fire Service's Brenton Eden&nbsp;said it would be a "very dangerous" day for people in the state, with lightning already sparking a number of blazes.

"Winds are gusting and unfortunately this is a dry lightning front that is going to move rapidly across South Australia," he told national broadcaster ABC.

Conditions are also expected to deteriorate over the next two days in worst-hit New South Wales, where 100 fires were burning&nbsp;Monday morning including more than 40 uncontained.

This season's bushfires have killed 10 people, destroyed more than 1,000 homes and scorched more than three million hectares (7.4 million acres)&nbsp;an area bigger than Belgium.

Sydney and other major cities have been shrouded in toxic bushfire smoke haze for weeks,&nbsp;forcing children to play indoors and causing professional sporting events to be canceled.

The crisis has focused attention on climate change which scientists say is creating a longer and more intense <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bushfire-threat-spreads-wreaks-havoc-in-australia-as-sydney-chokes-263481">bushfire</a> season and sparked street protests calling for immediate action to tackle global warming.

While conservative Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australian-pm-scott-morrison-to-visit-india-in-january-269023">Scott Morrison</a> belatedly acknowledged a link between the fires and climate change, he has continued his staunch support of Australia's lucrative coal mining industry and ruled out further action to reduce emissions.

A petition to cancel Sydney's famous New Year's Eve fireworks and use the money to fight bushfires ringing the city has topped 270,000 signatures, but officials say the show will go on.

Sydney has spent Aus$6.5 million ($4.5 million) on this year's fireworks display funds that the Change.org petition argues would be better spent on supporting volunteer firefighters and farmers suffering through a brutal drought.

Thousands of tourists risked being stranded in Australia's southeast Monday, as a new heatwave left firefighters across the country bracing for another round of potentially catastrophic bushfire.

Thousands of tourists risked being stranded in Australia's southeast Monday, as a new heatwave left firefighters across the country bracing for another round of potentially catastrophic bushfire. Hundreds of blazes are burning across Australia, which is experiencing a devastating summer bushfire season fuelled by a prolonged drought and climate change. More than 30,000 people were told to evacuate Victoria state's popular East Gippsland region Sunday amid fears soaring temperatures and gusting winds would stoke three large blazes, cutting off the last major road still open. Victoria Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said residents and holidaymakers still in the area faced being stranded as it was now "too late to leave", with his agency warning it was "not possible" to provide aid to all visitors in the area. Neighbouring South Australia is experiencing "catastrophic" fire conditions in some areas as temperatures reach above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and storms bring damaging winds. The Country Fire Service's Brenton Eden said it would be a "very dangerous" day for people in the state, with lightning already sparking a number of blazes. "Winds are gusting and unfortunately this is a dry lightning front that is going to move rapidly across South Australia," he told national broadcaster ABC. Conditions are also expected to deteriorate over the next two days in worst-hit New South Wales, where 100 fires were burning Monday morning including more than 40 uncontained. This season's bushfires have killed 10 people, destroyed more than 1,000 homes and scorched more than three million hectares (7.4 million acres) an area bigger than Belgium. Sydney and other major cities have been shrouded in toxic bushfire smoke haze for weeks, forcing children to play indoors and causing professional sporting events to be canceled. The crisis has focused attention on climate change which scientists say is creating a longer and more intense bushfire season and sparked street protests calling for immediate action to tackle global warming. While conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison belatedly acknowledged a link between the fires and climate change, he has continued his staunch support of Australia's lucrative coal mining industry and ruled out further action to reduce emissions. A petition to cancel Sydney's famous New Year's Eve fireworks and use the money to fight bushfires ringing the city has topped 270,000 signatures, but officials say the show will go on. Sydney has spent Aus$6.5 million ($4.5 million) on this year's fireworks display funds that the Change.org petition argues would be better spent on supporting volunteer firefighters and farmers suffering through a brutal drought.

Tourists at risk as heatwave fuels Australia bushfires

Residents and holidaymakers in part of the Australian state of Victoria were urged to leave on Sunday ahead of what is expected to be a day of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/residents-of-small-australian-communities-told-to-evacuate-as-fire-approaches-270749">extreme fire danger</a>.

Authorities said temperatures of more than 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), strong winds, thunderstorms and a wind change moving across the state meant Monday would be one of the most significant fire weather days in Victoria's history.

State Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp told both residents and tens of thousands of holidaymakers in the East Gippsland region to leave no later than Monday morning.

"What we are saying now, based on the conditions that will be confronting us tomorrow across the state, but in particular in East Gippsland, is that if you're holidaying in that part of the state, it's time that you left," Crisp said at a media conference on Sunday.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Australian PM announces compensation for volunteer fire-fighters

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"We are asking you to now leave East Gippsland from that area east of Bairnsdale," Crisp said, referring to a city 280 km (174 miles) east of Melbourne.

"You should not be there tomorrow and we want you to get out now."

Earlier on Sunday, organisers of a music festival in the state cancelled the event, citing the extreme weather expected on Monday.

"After consultation with local and regional fire authorities and other emergency stakeholders, it is clear that we have no other option," the organisers wrote on Facebook.

The event was meant to run until New Year's Eve and some 9,000 people were already camping on site when the announcement was made.

The state of New South Wales (NSW) is also facing severe fire conditions over coming days, with temperatures expecting to peak on Tuesday.

"We've got some deteriorating weather conditions over the coming days, particularly Monday and worsening through to Tuesday," said the NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons.

'Very prolonged'&nbsp;

The federal government said on Sunday it would compensate volunteer firefighters in NSW as they grappled with the intensity of this year's bushfire season.

Prime Minister Scott <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-announces-compensation-for-volunteer-firefighters-270788">Morrison said payments</a> of up to A$6,000 would be available for eligible firefighters who had spent more than 10 days in the field this fire season.

"As this is a very prolonged fire season, this is putting additional demands on our firefighters," Morrison told a news conference.

"It means that the turn-outs and the call-outs have been far more extensive than in previous years, going well and beyond and above what is normally expected of those who are engaged in volunteer service."

Morrison had previously said compensation for volunteers was not a priority, but he has faced increasing political pressure as the widespread fires burn.

On Tuesday, he announced government workers could get additional paid leave for volunteering.

While there are different rules across Australia's states, volunteers tend to negotiate time off directly with their employer.

Bushfires have destroyed more than 4 million hectares (9.9 million acres) in five states since September and eight deaths have been linked to the blazes.

Residents and holidaymakers in part of the Australian state of Victoria were urged to leave on Sunday ahead of what is expected to be a day of extreme fire danger.

Residents and holidaymakers in part of the Australian state of Victoria were urged to leave on Sunday ahead of what is expected to be a day of extreme fire danger. Authorities said temperatures of more than 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), strong winds, thunderstorms and a wind change moving across the state meant Monday would be one of the most significant fire weather days in Victoria's history. State Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp told both residents and tens of thousands of holidaymakers in the East Gippsland region to leave no later than Monday morning. "What we are saying now, based on the conditions that will be confronting us tomorrow across the state, but in particular in East Gippsland, is that if you're holidaying in that part of the state, it's time that you left," Crisp said at a media conference on Sunday. Also Watch: Australian PM announces compensation for volunteer fire-fighters × "We are asking you to now leave East Gippsland from that area east of Bairnsdale," Crisp said, referring to a city 280 km (174 miles) east of Melbourne. "You should not be there tomorrow and we want you to get out now." Earlier on Sunday, organisers of a music festival in the state cancelled the event, citing the extreme weather expected on Monday. "After consultation with local and regional fire authorities and other emergency stakeholders, it is clear that we have no other option," the organisers wrote on Facebook. The event was meant to run until New Year's Eve and some 9,000 people were already camping on site when the announcement was made. The state of New South Wales (NSW) is also facing severe fire conditions over coming days, with temperatures expecting to peak on Tuesday. "We've got some deteriorating weather conditions over the coming days, particularly Monday and worsening through to Tuesday," said the NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner, Shane Fitzsimmons. 'Very prolonged' The federal government said on Sunday it would compensate volunteer firefighters in NSW as they grappled with the intensity of this year's bushfire season. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said payments of up to A$6,000 would be available for eligible firefighters who had spent more than 10 days in the field this fire season. "As this is a very prolonged fire season, this is putting additional demands on our firefighters," Morrison told a news conference. "It means that the turn-outs and the call-outs have been far more extensive than in previous years, going well and beyond and above what is normally expected of those who are engaged in volunteer service." Morrison had previously said compensation for volunteers was not a priority, but he has faced increasing political pressure as the widespread fires burn. On Tuesday, he announced government workers could get additional paid leave for volunteering. While there are different rules across Australia's states, volunteers tend to negotiate time off directly with their employer. Bushfires have destroyed more than 4 million hectares (9.9 million acres) in five states since September and eight deaths have been linked to the blazes.

Residents, holidaymakers urged to leave Australian region as fire conditions worsen

The Australian government announced on Sunday it would compensate volunteer firefighters in the state of New South Wales (NSW), as the country's intense bushfire season rages on.

The Australian government announced on Sunday it would compensate volunteer firefighters in the state of New South Wales (NSW), as the country's intense bushfire season rages on. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said payments of up to A$6,000 would be available for eligible firefighters who had spent more than 10 days in the field this fire season. "I know that our volunteer firefighters in NSW are doing it tough, especially in rural and regional areas," Morrison said in a statement. "The early and prolonged nature of this fire season has made a call beyond what is typically made on our volunteer fire fighters." The conservative leader has previously said compensation for volunteers was not a priority, but he has faced increasing political pressure as widespread fires continue to burn. On Tuesday, he announced government workers could receive additional paid leave for volunteering. While there are different rules across Australia's states, volunteers tend to negotiate time off directly with their employer. Bushfires have destroyed more than 4 million hectares (9.9 million acres) in five states since September and eight deaths have been linked to the blazes. Cooler conditions in many areas during Christmas week helped contain some blazes, but the fire risk has increased in parts of the country in the final few days of 2019. On Sunday, organisers of a major music festival in the state of Victoria canceled the event, citing extreme weather conditions expected on Monday. "After consultation with local and regional fire authorities and other emergency stakeholders, it is clear that we have no other option," the organisers wrote on Facebook. The event was meant to run until New Year's Eve and some 9,000 people were already camping on site when the announcement was made. A total fire ban is in place for all of Victoria on Monday due to forecast high temperatures and strong winds creating an "extreme" fire risk across most of the state.

Australian PM announces compensation for volunteer firefighters

Residents of two small communities in the southern Australian state of Victoria were told to evacuate on Saturday, as a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-wildfires-threaten-sydney-water-supplies-270491">bushfire</a> burned out of control nearby and as temperatures were set to rise.

Authorities said the fire could affect the town of Goongerah, nearly 450 km&nbsp;east of Melbourne with a population of 60 people, and the nearby community of Martins Creek over the next 48 hours and residents should leave now.

"This may be your last opportunity to do so before fire activity increases," VicEmergency said in an alert.

"If you choose to stay, emergency services may not be able to help you."

Cooler conditions in many parts of Australia during <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firefighters-in-australia-spend-christmas-day-containing-wildfires-270247">Christmas week</a> helped contain some fires but temperatures are forecast to rise, once again challenging firefighters.

Temperatures in parts of South Australia rose above 40 Celsius on Friday, while Victoria's capital of Melbourne is forecast to hit 43C&nbsp;on Monday.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Australia-&nbsp;Sydney, Brisbane residents get rain respite amid wildfire

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Large parts of Australia have suffered through several years of drought, creating tinder-dry conditions and proving stressful to the country's native wildlife population.

A video taken in South Australia during Friday's extreme heat showed a koala guzzling water from a cyclist's drink bottle after it had stopped the group of cyclists by sitting in the middle of the road.

Bushfires have destroyed more than 4 million hectares in five states since September and eight deaths have been linked to the blazes.

Local police said on Saturday they had charged one man for lighting a fire without a permit that caused a 40-hectare wildfire to start and have charged another man for allegedly deliberately lighting two bushfires.

Residents of two small communities in the southern Australian state of Victoria were told to evacuate on Saturday, as a bushfire burned out of control nearby and as temperatures were set to rise.

Residents of two small communities in the southern Australian state of Victoria were told to evacuate on Saturday, as a bushfire burned out of control nearby and as temperatures were set to rise. Authorities said the fire could affect the town of Goongerah, nearly 450 km east of Melbourne with a population of 60 people, and the nearby community of Martins Creek over the next 48 hours and residents should leave now. "This may be your last opportunity to do so before fire activity increases," VicEmergency said in an alert. "If you choose to stay, emergency services may not be able to help you." Cooler conditions in many parts of Australia during Christmas week helped contain some fires but temperatures are forecast to rise, once again challenging firefighters. Temperatures in parts of South Australia rose above 40 Celsius on Friday, while Victoria's capital of Melbourne is forecast to hit 43C on Monday. Also Watch: Australia- Sydney, Brisbane residents get rain respite amid wildfire × Large parts of Australia have suffered through several years of drought, creating tinder-dry conditions and proving stressful to the country's native wildlife population. A video taken in South Australia during Friday's extreme heat showed a koala guzzling water from a cyclist's drink bottle after it had stopped the group of cyclists by sitting in the middle of the road. Bushfires have destroyed more than 4 million hectares in five states since September and eight deaths have been linked to the blazes. Local police said on Saturday they had charged one man for lighting a fire without a permit that caused a 40-hectare wildfire to start and have charged another man for allegedly deliberately lighting two bushfires.

Australian bushfire: Residents of small communities told to evacuate as blaze approaches

Australian authorities said on Friday they are focused on protecting water plants, pumping stations, pipes and other infrastructure from intense <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firefighters-in-australia-spend-christmas-day-containing-wildfires-270247">bushfires surrounding Sydney</a>, the country's largest city.

Firefighters battling the blazes for weeks received a reprieve of slightly cooler, damper conditions over Christmas, but the respite is not expected to last long.

Temperatures in New South Wales (NSW) state are forecast to head back towards 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) early next week, fuelling fires near Warragamba Dam, which provides water to about 80 per cent&nbsp;of Sydney's 5 million residents.

"In recent days up to the cool change, the fires had been a potential threat to supply and assets, particularly in Warragamba and in the Blue Mountains," a spokesman for the state's water authority, WaterNSW, told Reuters.

"With the coming very hot conditions the fire situation may escalate in both those fronts and possibly elsewhere."

Warragamba Dam is located 65km (40 miles) west of Sydney, catching water flowing from the mountains.

It is at 44.8 per cent&nbsp;capacity, down from almost being full less than three years ago, as a prolonged drought ravage the continent's east.

Despite the widespread destruction, the state's water infrastructure network has not been damaged, the spokesman said.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Australia: Sydney, Brisbane residents get rain respite amid wildfire

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There have been eight deaths, including two volunteer firefighters, linked to the blazes since they flared in spring.

With more than 40 dams across the state, WaterNSW supplies two-thirds of untreated water to the state's water utilities, which then treat and clean the resource to provide drinking water to cities and regional towns.

Large quantities of ash and burnt material could pose a threat to the quality of water in the dams if the fires are followed by heavy rain.

However, there is no significant rain forecast for NSW in the short-term and WaterNSW has put containment barriers to catch potential debris run-off, the water authority said.

Volunteer force

Australia's reliance on a large volunteer firefighting force has been tested during this fire season that still potentially has months to run through the southern hemisphere summer.

While conservative <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-prime-minister-under-pressure-as-bushfires-fuel-climate-debate-269899">Prime Minister Scott Morrison</a> previously said compensation for volunteers was not a priority, he said on Tuesday that government workers could receive additional paid leave for volunteering.

A senior government minister said on Friday the government was now looking into providing wider relief.

"The prime minister is looking at this issue further on how we can provide targeted support in these extreme circumstances so that our volunteers get the support they need to keep volunteering," Defence Minister Linda Reynolds told media in Perth.

While there are different rules across Australia's states, volunteers tend to negotiate time off directly with their employer.

Morrison has been under intense political pressure after it was revealed he was holidaying in Hawaii shortly before Christmas while the country grappled with an emergency and two volunteers near the fire frontlines had been killed.

Fires are travelling immense distances through bushland before hitting towns and containment lines where volunteer firefighters concentrate their resources.

The bushfires have destroyed more than 4 million hectares (9.9 million acres) across the country, dwarfing the terrain burnt by fierce <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-cave-fire-threatens-thousands-of-homes-and-triggers-evacuation-264757">fires in California</a> during 2019.

Australian authorities said on Friday they are focused on protecting water plants, pumping stations, pipes and other infrastructure from intense bushfires surrounding Sydney, the country's largest city.

Australian authorities said on Friday they are focused on protecting water plants, pumping stations, pipes and other infrastructure from intense bushfires surrounding Sydney, the country's largest city. Firefighters battling the blazes for weeks received a reprieve of slightly cooler, damper conditions over Christmas, but the respite is not expected to last long. Temperatures in New South Wales (NSW) state are forecast to head back towards 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) early next week, fuelling fires near Warragamba Dam, which provides water to about 80 per cent of Sydney's 5 million residents. "In recent days up to the cool change, the fires had been a potential threat to supply and assets, particularly in Warragamba and in the Blue Mountains," a spokesman for the state's water authority, WaterNSW, told Reuters. "With the coming very hot conditions the fire situation may escalate in both those fronts and possibly elsewhere." Warragamba Dam is located 65km (40 miles) west of Sydney, catching water flowing from the mountains. It is at 44.8 per cent capacity, down from almost being full less than three years ago, as a prolonged drought ravage the continent's east. Despite the widespread destruction, the state's water infrastructure network has not been damaged, the spokesman said. Also Watch: Australia: Sydney, Brisbane residents get rain respite amid wildfire × There have been eight deaths, including two volunteer firefighters, linked to the blazes since they flared in spring. With more than 40 dams across the state, WaterNSW supplies two-thirds of untreated water to the state's water utilities, which then treat and clean the resource to provide drinking water to cities and regional towns. Large quantities of ash and burnt material could pose a threat to the quality of water in the dams if the fires are followed by heavy rain. However, there is no significant rain forecast for NSW in the short-term and WaterNSW has put containment barriers to catch potential debris run-off, the water authority said. Volunteer force Australia's reliance on a large volunteer firefighting force has been tested during this fire season that still potentially has months to run through the southern hemisphere summer. While conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison previously said compensation for volunteers was not a priority, he said on Tuesday that government workers could receive additional paid leave for volunteering. A senior government minister said on Friday the government was now looking into providing wider relief. "The prime minister is looking at this issue further on how we can provide targeted support in these extreme circumstances so that our volunteers get the support they need to keep volunteering," Defence Minister Linda Reynolds told media in Perth. While there are different rules across Australia's states, volunteers tend to negotiate time off directly with their employer. Morrison has been under intense political pressure after it was revealed he was holidaying in Hawaii shortly before Christmas while the country grappled with an emergency and two volunteers near the fire frontlines had been killed. Fires are travelling immense distances through bushland before hitting towns and containment lines where volunteer firefighters concentrate their resources. The bushfires have destroyed more than 4 million hectares (9.9 million acres) across the country, dwarfing the terrain burnt by fierce fires in California during 2019.

Australian wildfires threaten Sydney water supplies

Australian firefighters spent much of Christmas <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sydney-brisbane-residents-get-rain-respite-amid-wildfire-270096">fighting wildfires</a> as unexpected cooler conditions helped to contain the fires somewhat even as the country cheered their efforts.

The volunteer firefighters spent the day in New South Wales took time out from Christmas Day celebrations to contribute towards fighting the devastating fires which have devasted large parts of the region.

The bushfire affected Australia's favourite game cricket as well with Test bowler Peter Siddle being treated for smoke inhalation after a Big Bash League match in Canberra. The match had to abandoned due to toxic smoke engulfing the stadium.

As the match was abandoned, the Australian Cricketers Association said it was working with the &nbsp;International Cricket Council(ICC) to prepare guidelines for a "air quality policy."

Watch Video:

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According to forecasters, heat conditions are set to return in a few days, especially over the weekend as firefighters continue to battle the raging bushfires. On Christmas Eve, Sydney and Brisbane's residents received much-needed rain relief from the fires as rain hit the area. Several took to social media to celebrate residents sharing videos of thunderstorm hitting the eastern Australian city of Brisbane.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison who has been under fire for taking a vacation in Hawaii in the midst of a tough wildfire wave thanked volunteers on Christmas for their gallant effort.

"As we look forward to next year and as we celebrate this Christmas I want to thank all of those who serve our nation," PM Scott Morrison said in a video post on social media. PM Morrison had earlier announced paid leave for volunteer firefighters during his tour to fire-affected areas across the country.

Australia has been fighting wildfires for weeks now, with blazes destroying over 700 homes and nearly three million acres of bushland.

Australian firefighters spent much of Christmas fighting wildfires as unexpected cooler conditions helped to contain the fires somewhat even as the country cheered their efforts.

Australian firefighters spent much of Christmas fighting wildfires as unexpected cooler conditions helped to contain the fires somewhat even as the country cheered their efforts. The volunteer firefighters spent the day in New South Wales took time out from Christmas Day celebrations to contribute towards fighting the devastating fires which have devasted large parts of the region. The bushfire affected Australia's favourite game cricket as well with Test bowler Peter Siddle being treated for smoke inhalation after a Big Bash League match in Canberra. The match had to abandoned due to toxic smoke engulfing the stadium. As the match was abandoned, the Australian Cricketers Association said it was working with the International Cricket Council(ICC) to prepare guidelines for a "air quality policy." Watch Video: According to forecasters, heat conditions are set to return in a few days, especially over the weekend as firefighters continue to battle the raging bushfires. On Christmas Eve, Sydney and Brisbane's residents received much-needed rain relief from the fires as rain hit the area. Several took to social media to celebrate residents sharing videos of thunderstorm hitting the eastern Australian city of Brisbane. Prime Minister Scott Morrison who has been under fire for taking a vacation in Hawaii in the midst of a tough wildfire wave thanked volunteers on Christmas for their gallant effort. "As we look forward to next year and as we celebrate this Christmas I want to thank all of those who serve our nation," PM Scott Morrison said in a video post on social media. PM Morrison had earlier announced paid leave for volunteer firefighters during his tour to fire-affected areas across the country. Australia has been fighting wildfires for weeks now, with blazes destroying over 700 homes and nearly three million acres of bushland.

Firefighters in Australia spend Christmas Day containing wildfires

Calls for Australian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-scott-morrison-hits-out-at-reckless-calls-to-cut-coal-industry-269654">Scott Morrison</a> to resign have littered social media platforms after it was revealed he was holidaying in Hawaii while the country battled a bushfire emergency and his return has failed to douse the criticism.

Voters have taken to social media calling for leadership at a time of crisis, and along with some of the country's political editors, have criticised Morrison's refusal to take tougher action on climate change.

Similar to the criticism of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-moved-to-freeze-ukraine-aid-90-minutes-after-trump-phone-call-report-269643">US&nbsp;President Donald</a> Trump by American comedians, Morrison has been ridiculed on social media, portrayed as a deformed creature sitting in a burnt out forest on Christmas Day patting a lump of coal he calls "precious" to a flying superhero called "Bullshit Man".

On Twitter on Tuesday, #NotMyPrimeMinister, #MorrisonMustGo and #ScoMoResign were the top trending topics in Australia after a viral video showed a volunteer firefighter, Jacqui, shaking hands with Morrison as she said "not my prime minister".

"Jacquie is all of us," Twitter user Yabba said. Another user @bugwannostra tweeted "she's only saying what more than 12 million think..."

The tweet prompted Morrison to issue a clarification on Tuesday. "Indeed, as Jacqui joked with me yesterday, I’m not her PM, because she's British, Boris Johnson is," he tweeted.

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Indeed, as Jacqui joked with me yesterday, I’m not her PM, because she’s British, Boris Johnson is. But with local MP Andrew Gee, we made a decent pitch for her to become an Aussie yesterday. She &amp; the other RFS volunteers have been doing an incredible job battling these blazes. <a href="https://t.co/28z3c4bTMG">pic.twitter.com/28z3c4bTMG</a>
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP/status/1209245828230959106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bushfires-hit-emergency-level-on-sydneys-outskirts-one-dead-in-south-australia-269445">Devastating bushfires</a> have burnt more than 4 million hectares&nbsp;of land across five states and killed nine people since September.

Uncontrolled fires are still burning in South Australia, after ripping through the state's prominent wine region, and around the country's largest city Sydney.

Hazardous smoke blanketed Sydney for days this month, heightening public anger and raising political pressure on the government to do more to battle climate change.

Also watch:&nbsp;Bushfires hit emergency level on Sydney's outskirts; one dead in South Australia

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When it was revealed Morrison and his family had slipped away to Hawaii for a holiday voters became angry.

On his return Morrison further inflamed his political critics by saying there would be no change to climate policy and denied suggestions of a split within his government after his deputy agreed more action was needed.

He also ruled out holding a summit with the nation's fire chiefs and compensation for thousands of volunteer firefighters who have battled blazes for months.

A series of photo opportunities of Morrison with firefighters and animals affected by the fires was ridiculed on social media on Tuesday.

Morrison stunned the nation in May by winning an election, securing a parliamentary majority, but his political capital six months later is now being questioned.

"He has lost any personal link to that deep, crucial, reservoir of gravitas we confer, automatically, on our PMs simply because of their position," The Canberra Times newspaper columnist Nicholas Stuart wrote on Tuesday.

But some analysts say it is too early to write Morrison's political epitaph, but concede Australia's summer bushfires may eventually see a change in climate policy.

In Australia, the world's largest exporter of coal, climate and energy policy have infused politics for a decade, helping to bring down both liberal and conservative lawmakers.

Australia is one of the world's largest carbon emitters per capita due to coal-fired power plants. It has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 26% from 2005 levels by 2030, but critics say Morrison is paying lip service to the commitment.

"These bushfires could potentially lead to a shift in public opinion and public concern on climate change that we have not seen in Australia so far," said Haydon Manning, professor at the college of business, government and law at Flinders University.

Calls for Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to resign have littered social media platforms after it was revealed he was holidaying in Hawaii while the country battled a bushfire emergency and his return has failed to douse the criticism.

Calls for Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to resign have littered social media platforms after it was revealed he was holidaying in Hawaii while the country battled a bushfire emergency and his return has failed to douse the criticism. Voters have taken to social media calling for leadership at a time of crisis, and along with some of the country's political editors, have criticised Morrison's refusal to take tougher action on climate change. Similar to the criticism of US President Donald Trump by American comedians, Morrison has been ridiculed on social media, portrayed as a deformed creature sitting in a burnt out forest on Christmas Day patting a lump of coal he calls "precious" to a flying superhero called "Bullshit Man". On Twitter on Tuesday, #NotMyPrimeMinister, #MorrisonMustGo and #ScoMoResign were the top trending topics in Australia after a viral video showed a volunteer firefighter, Jacqui, shaking hands with Morrison as she said "not my prime minister". "Jacquie is all of us," Twitter user Yabba said. Another user @bugwannostra tweeted "she's only saying what more than 12 million think..." The tweet prompted Morrison to issue a clarification on Tuesday. "Indeed, as Jacqui joked with me yesterday, I’m not her PM, because she's British, Boris Johnson is," he tweeted. Indeed, as Jacqui joked with me yesterday, I’m not her PM, because she’s British, Boris Johnson is. But with local MP Andrew Gee, we made a decent pitch for her to become an Aussie yesterday. She & the other RFS volunteers have been doing an incredible job battling these blazes. pic.twitter.com/28z3c4bTMG — Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) December 23, 2019 × Devastating bushfires have burnt more than 4 million hectares of land across five states and killed nine people since September. Uncontrolled fires are still burning in South Australia, after ripping through the state's prominent wine region, and around the country's largest city Sydney. Hazardous smoke blanketed Sydney for days this month, heightening public anger and raising political pressure on the government to do more to battle climate change. Also watch: Bushfires hit emergency level on Sydney's outskirts; one dead in South Australia × When it was revealed Morrison and his family had slipped away to Hawaii for a holiday voters became angry. On his return Morrison further inflamed his political critics by saying there would be no change to climate policy and denied suggestions of a split within his government after his deputy agreed more action was needed. He also ruled out holding a summit with the nation's fire chiefs and compensation for thousands of volunteer firefighters who have battled blazes for months. A series of photo opportunities of Morrison with firefighters and animals affected by the fires was ridiculed on social media on Tuesday. Morrison stunned the nation in May by winning an election, securing a parliamentary majority, but his political capital six months later is now being questioned. "He has lost any personal link to that deep, crucial, reservoir of gravitas we confer, automatically, on our PMs simply because of their position," The Canberra Times newspaper columnist Nicholas Stuart wrote on Tuesday. But some analysts say it is too early to write Morrison's political epitaph, but concede Australia's summer bushfires may eventually see a change in climate policy. In Australia, the world's largest exporter of coal, climate and energy policy have infused politics for a decade, helping to bring down both liberal and conservative lawmakers. Australia is one of the world's largest carbon emitters per capita due to coal-fired power plants. It has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 26% from 2005 levels by 2030, but critics say Morrison is paying lip service to the commitment. "These bushfires could potentially lead to a shift in public opinion and public concern on climate change that we have not seen in Australia so far," said Haydon Manning, professor at the college of business, government and law at Flinders University.

Australian PM Scott Morrison slammed on social media over Hawaii visit

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