The flight from Colombo becomes the first from any international country to touch down at Melbourne airport in five months on Monday.&nbsp;

The Colombo flight is amongst one of the five flights that will land on Monday in Melbourne, reports ABC News.&nbsp;

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Australia since March closed its borders for non-citizens, but Melbourne's airports stopped arrivals in late June after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus outbreak </a>at two hotels was found where incoming passengers were quarantining.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-demands-apology-from-china-for-repugnant-afghan-tweet-346407">Australia demands apology from China for ‘repugnant’ Afghan tweet</a>

Over 20,000 people contracted Covid-19 in Victoria when hotel staff got infected from people returning from other countries.&nbsp;

Travellers arriving in Melbourne now have to follow new guidelines under which they will not be allowed to leave their hotel rooms dedicated for quarantine.&nbsp;

The model is similar to the one used in Sydney where thousands of people returned from overseas and no cluster was detected.&nbsp;

Australia has confirmed nearly 28,000 Covid-19 cases and 908 deaths since the pandemic began.&nbsp;

There are only 44 active cases in the country and most of these people are in hotel quarantine.

 
&nbsp;

The flight from Colombo becomes the first from any international country to touch down at Melbourne airport in five months on Monday. The Colombo flight is amongst one of the five flights that will land on Monday in Melbourne, reports ABC News.

The flight from Colombo becomes the first from any international country to touch down at Melbourne airport in five months on Monday. The Colombo flight is amongst one of the five flights that will land on Monday in Melbourne, reports ABC News. Also read | Senior Chinese diplomat blames Australian PM Morrison for 'overreacting' on Afghan tweet Australia since March closed its borders for non-citizens, but Melbourne's airports stopped arrivals in late June after a coronavirus outbreak at two hotels was found where incoming passengers were quarantining. Also read | Australia demands apology from China for ‘repugnant’ Afghan tweet Over 20,000 people contracted Covid-19 in Victoria when hotel staff got infected from people returning from other countries. Travellers arriving in Melbourne now have to follow new guidelines under which they will not be allowed to leave their hotel rooms dedicated for quarantine. The model is similar to the one used in Sydney where thousands of people returned from overseas and no cluster was detected. Australia has confirmed nearly 28,000 Covid-19 cases and 908 deaths since the pandemic began. There are only 44 active cases in the country and most of these people are in hotel quarantine.

First international flight lands in Melbourne in five months

The Spice Girls want to return to the US for their 25th anniversary. 
 
Singer and member of the hit 90s all-girls band, Mel C has revealed that The Spice Girls want to return and hope to persuade Victoria Beckham to join them. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The band - made up of Mel C, 46, Mel B, 46, Geri Horner, 47, and Emma Bunton, 44 - are looking to return to the States&nbsp;next year. &nbsp; 
 
According to the Mirror, the singer admitted that the band were 'working on it' when asked if Victoria, 46, was 'persuadable' to return for the anniversary tour after failing to join them on the 2019 shows. &nbsp;

"We do not have any plans, but we are hooking up quite soon and that needs ­certain discussion. We need things to look forward to and we can make good plans for something positive in the future," the singer said.

She admitted it 'would be rude' not to celebrate their impressive milestone.She insisted 'it's a perfect time' to produce a biography movie based on the girl band. Fans were delighted when the musician joined Geri, Mel B and Emma for an epic nationwide tour - sans Victoria - last year. &nbsp;

Known as the Sporty in the Spice Girl universe, Mel C also said that&nbsp;she'll 'do everything in my power' to ensure the group go on tour next year but highlighted that there may be a delay as artists across the globe have had to postpone their performances due to the coronavirus pandemic.

'Of course this year has thrown everything into chaos, I think a lot of the big artists that were planning to perform this year will move to next year.&nbsp;So sadly it probably will delay the Spice Girls getting back on stage, but I’m doing everything in my power to make that happen.' she said.

In September, it wasn't clear whether the band were going to be able to tour next year amid the coronavirus pandemic. &nbsp;They were thought to be planning another treat to mark their 25th anniversary, with one idea to remake the iconic 1996 'Wannabe'&nbsp;video.&nbsp;

'Wannabe'&nbsp;was a huge hit for The Spice Girls and became their best-selling song after it was released in 1996.&nbsp;

The Spice Girls want to return to the US for their 25th anniversary. Singer and member of the hit 90s all-girls band, Mel C has revealed that The Spice Girls want to return and hope to persuade Victoria Beckham to join them.

The Spice Girls want to return to the US for their 25th anniversary. Singer and member of the hit 90s all-girls band, Mel C has revealed that The Spice Girls want to return and hope to persuade Victoria Beckham to join them. The band - made up of Mel C, 46, Mel B, 46, Geri Horner, 47, and Emma Bunton, 44 - are looking to return to the States next year. According to the Mirror, the singer admitted that the band were 'working on it' when asked if Victoria, 46, was 'persuadable' to return for the anniversary tour after failing to join them on the 2019 shows. "We do not have any plans, but we are hooking up quite soon and that needs certain discussion. We need things to look forward to and we can make good plans for something positive in the future," the singer said. She admitted it 'would be rude' not to celebrate their impressive milestone.She insisted 'it's a perfect time' to produce a biography movie based on the girl band. Fans were delighted when the musician joined Geri, Mel B and Emma for an epic nationwide tour - sans Victoria - last year. Known as the Sporty in the Spice Girl universe, Mel C also said that she'll 'do everything in my power' to ensure the group go on tour next year but highlighted that there may be a delay as artists across the globe have had to postpone their performances due to the coronavirus pandemic. 'Of course this year has thrown everything into chaos, I think a lot of the big artists that were planning to perform this year will move to next year. So sadly it probably will delay the Spice Girls getting back on stage, but I’m doing everything in my power to make that happen.' she said. In September, it wasn't clear whether the band were going to be able to tour next year amid the coronavirus pandemic. They were thought to be planning another treat to mark their 25th anniversary, with one idea to remake the iconic 1996 'Wannabe' video. 'Wannabe' was a huge hit for The Spice Girls and became their best-selling song after it was released in 1996.

'Spice Girls' want to return to US with Victoria Beckham for their 25th anniversary

Two Australian men&nbsp;dug up two uggets but those weren't ordinary nuggets. These nuggets are worth nearly $250,000.

The nuggets are gold nuggets and have a combined weight of 3.5 kgs in a goldmining town Tarnagulla in Victoria state by miners&nbsp;Brent Shannon and Ethan West.

The two men have been digging up gold for the past four years and claim to have found thousands of such pieces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vanuatus-citizenship-for-sale-scheme-keeps-economy-afloat-helps-record-budget-surplus-322097">Also read|&nbsp;Vanuatu's citizenship-for-sale scheme keeps economy afloat, helps record budget surplus</a>

"These are definitely one of the most significant finds," Ethan West said. "To have two large chunks in one day is quite amazing."

The gold nuggets were found within a couple of hours, with the help of Ethan West's dad on what they decribe as a "virgin ground, which means it's untouched and hasn't been mined."

The duo said they were not entriely sure but&nbsp;"I reckoned we were in for a chance,"&nbsp;Brent Shannon said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-oil-no-longer-the-liquid-gold-321787">Also watch|&nbsp;Gravitas: Oil No Longer The Liquid Gold</a>

After finding the gold, the duo found fame when they got featured in a local TV show called 'Aussie Gold Hunters', which revolves around the plot of&nbsp;following teams of gold prospectors who dig in goldfields in remote parts of Australia.

Experts belive the duo can sell the nuggets for more than 30 per cent of the estimated value, which is currently US $ 250,000 (A$350,000).

Tarnagulla is a town that was itself found during the Victoria Gold Rush and was once known to be a very wealthy town.

Last year, too, an Australian man had found a gold nugget worth US$69,000 using a metal detector.

Two Australian men dug up two uggets but those weren't ordinary nuggets. These nuggets are worth nearly $250,000. The nuggets are gold nuggets and have a combined weight of 3.

Two Australian men dug up two uggets but those weren't ordinary nuggets. These nuggets are worth nearly $250,000. The nuggets are gold nuggets and have a combined weight of 3.5 kgs in a goldmining town Tarnagulla in Victoria state by miners Brent Shannon and Ethan West. The two men have been digging up gold for the past four years and claim to have found thousands of such pieces. Also read| Vanuatu's citizenship-for-sale scheme keeps economy afloat, helps record budget surplus "These are definitely one of the most significant finds," Ethan West said. "To have two large chunks in one day is quite amazing." The gold nuggets were found within a couple of hours, with the help of Ethan West's dad on what they decribe as a "virgin ground, which means it's untouched and hasn't been mined." The duo said they were not entriely sure but "I reckoned we were in for a chance," Brent Shannon said. Also watch| Gravitas: Oil No Longer The Liquid Gold After finding the gold, the duo found fame when they got featured in a local TV show called 'Aussie Gold Hunters', which revolves around the plot of following teams of gold prospectors who dig in goldfields in remote parts of Australia. Experts belive the duo can sell the nuggets for more than 30 per cent of the estimated value, which is currently US $ 250,000 (A$350,000). Tarnagulla is a town that was itself found during the Victoria Gold Rush and was once known to be a very wealthy town. Last year, too, an Australian man had found a gold nugget worth US$69,000 using a metal detector.

Australia: Two men dug nuggets worth $250,000

Australia on Monday reported highest number of coronavirus cases since the pandemic began, with almost all the new infections coming from the southeastern state of Victoria.&nbsp;

The officials confirmed 548 new infections, out of which 532 cases were from Victoria, which is seeing a second wave of the deadly virus.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virtual-kidnappings-warning-for-chinese-students-in-australia-316217#:~:text=Elaborate%20%22virtual%20kidnappings%22%20are%20being,of%20transnational%20scams%20were%20reported.&amp;text=Peter%20Thurtell%20said.-,Over%201%2C000%20%22Chinese%20authority%22%20scams%20were%20recorded%20last,year%20by%20Australia's%20consumer%20watchdog.">'Virtual kidnappings' warning for Chinese students in Australia</a>

On Sunday, the country reported its deadliest day with 10 fatalities.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-suffers-deadliest-day-of-coronavirus-pandemic-316024">Australia suffers deadliest day of coronavirus pandemic</a>

Officials admitted that the second wave of clusters in Melbourne, most populous city of Victoria, is taking longer to dimish than they hoped.&nbsp;

However, Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said modeling showed "today should be the peak" and a partial lockdown of five million people is showing results.&nbsp;

The country has responded well to the first wave of the deadly virus, but since the beginning of this month, it is struggling to contain the surge in infections.&nbsp;

Australia's COVID-19 cases are around 15,000, far better than other big nations and death toll stood at 161.&nbsp;

The island nation was opening its economy when community transmission was observed in Melbourne, which led to the imposition of a partial lockdown.

The crisis in Victoria can be understood from the fact that out of 161 deaths in the country, nearly half of them, 77 comes from this state.&nbsp;

Australia on Monday reported highest number of coronavirus cases since the pandemic began, with almost all the new infections coming from the southeastern state of Victoria.

Australia on Monday reported highest number of coronavirus cases since the pandemic began, with almost all the new infections coming from the southeastern state of Victoria. The officials confirmed 548 new infections, out of which 532 cases were from Victoria, which is seeing a second wave of the deadly virus. Also read | 'Virtual kidnappings' warning for Chinese students in Australia On Sunday, the country reported its deadliest day with 10 fatalities. Also read | Australia suffers deadliest day of coronavirus pandemic Officials admitted that the second wave of clusters in Melbourne, most populous city of Victoria, is taking longer to dimish than they hoped. However, Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said modeling showed "today should be the peak" and a partial lockdown of five million people is showing results. The country has responded well to the first wave of the deadly virus, but since the beginning of this month, it is struggling to contain the surge in infections. Australia's COVID-19 cases are around 15,000, far better than other big nations and death toll stood at 161. The island nation was opening its economy when community transmission was observed in Melbourne, which led to the imposition of a partial lockdown. The crisis in Victoria can be understood from the fact that out of 161 deaths in the country, nearly half of them, 77 comes from this state.

Day after reporting most COVID-19 deaths, Australia confirms record infections

Australia's second-most populous state of Victoria, which is already witnessing a surge in coronavirus cases, on Thursday reported 317 new cases, its highest rise in infections in the 24-hour-period.&nbsp;

The state has been isolated from rest of the country for over a week after a fresh outbreak of the deadly virus. Victoria's capital Melbourne is placed under lockdown and people are allowed to go outside only for essential services.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-struggles-with-coronavirus-as-victoria-becomes-new-epicenter-313227">Australia struggles with coronavirus as Victoria becomes new epicenter</a>

Victoria also confirmed two deaths, taking the state's toll to 29 and the national fatality count to 113.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pub-cluster-reports-almost-half-of-cases-fears-of-second-wave-continue-312869">Australian pub cluster reports almost half of cases; fears of second-wave continue</a>

The record rise in cases came as the Australian government declared a further A$2 billion ($1.4 billion) plan for wage subside and training programs to counter spiraling unemployment in the country.

The unemployment this month in Australia jumped to 7.4 per cent from 7.1 per cent, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Australia started deporting New Zealanders on "character grounds" despite a halt in such actions due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The policy has angered New Zealand who has repeatedly said that such people spent majority of their lives in Australia and have minor connection with Kiwis.&nbsp;

Group deportations had been paused in Australia since March when the country closed its borders and banned nearly all international travel to control the pandemic.&nbsp;

The Australian Border Force (ABF) on Thursday said it had sent back 31 New Zealanders this week on "character grounds", which as per law doesn't require a criminal conviction.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Australia's second-most populous state of Victoria, which is already witnessing a surge in coronavirus cases, on Thursday reported 317 new cases, its highest rise in infections in the 24-hour-period.

Australia's second-most populous state of Victoria, which is already witnessing a surge in coronavirus cases, on Thursday reported 317 new cases, its highest rise in infections in the 24-hour-period. The state has been isolated from rest of the country for over a week after a fresh outbreak of the deadly virus. Victoria's capital Melbourne is placed under lockdown and people are allowed to go outside only for essential services. Also read | Australia struggles with coronavirus as Victoria becomes new epicenter Victoria also confirmed two deaths, taking the state's toll to 29 and the national fatality count to 113. Also read | Australian pub cluster reports almost half of cases; fears of second-wave continue The record rise in cases came as the Australian government declared a further A$2 billion ($1.4 billion) plan for wage subside and training programs to counter spiraling unemployment in the country. The unemployment this month in Australia jumped to 7.4 per cent from 7.1 per cent, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Meanwhile, Australia started deporting New Zealanders on "character grounds" despite a halt in such actions due to the coronavirus outbreak. The policy has angered New Zealand who has repeatedly said that such people spent majority of their lives in Australia and have minor connection with Kiwis. Group deportations had been paused in Australia since March when the country closed its borders and banned nearly all international travel to control the pandemic. The Australian Border Force (ABF) on Thursday said it had sent back 31 New Zealanders this week on "character grounds", which as per law doesn't require a criminal conviction.

Australia: Victoria reports record coronavirus infections

Australia's most populated&nbsp;state has been observing a surge in coronavirus cases for the last couple of weeks. The state reported 14 new cases on Monday.

Now, a growing cluster has been identified at a pub that is majorly used by freight drivers travelling the country. The identified cluster is adding to fears of a second national wave of the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-victoria-state-marks-week-of-triple-digit-coronavirus-cases-312660">Also read:&nbsp;Australia's Victoria state marks week of triple-digit coronavirus cases</a>

Almost half of the reported 14 new cases&nbsp;were people who recently visited a pub in southwest Sydney, the Crossroads Hotel.

"The concern is that this hotel is used by freight drivers who are transporting essential supplies across the country," Australia`s Deputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. "They are not being tested."

In Victoria, 177 new cases were reported on Monday, which is a considerable decrease from 273 cases reported a day earlier. However, Victoria's Chief Health officer Brett Sutton has urged locals to not take it as a sigh of relief.&nbsp;"It may not be our peak yet," Victoria`s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton told reporters in Melbourne. "I would like to see a week of decreasing numbers."

With a surge in cases,&nbsp;University of Queensland will be beginning trials of COVID-19 vaccine from Monday, and the preliminary results can be expected till September.

Australia's most populated state has been observing a surge in coronavirus cases for the last couple of weeks. The state reported 14 new cases on Monday. Now, a growing cluster has been identified at a pub that is majorly used by freight drivers travelling the country.

Australia's most populated state has been observing a surge in coronavirus cases for the last couple of weeks. The state reported 14 new cases on Monday. Now, a growing cluster has been identified at a pub that is majorly used by freight drivers travelling the country. The identified cluster is adding to fears of a second national wave of the virus. Also read: Australia's Victoria state marks week of triple-digit coronavirus cases Almost half of the reported 14 new cases were people who recently visited a pub in southwest Sydney, the Crossroads Hotel. "The concern is that this hotel is used by freight drivers who are transporting essential supplies across the country," Australia`s Deputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. "They are not being tested." In Victoria, 177 new cases were reported on Monday, which is a considerable decrease from 273 cases reported a day earlier. However, Victoria's Chief Health officer Brett Sutton has urged locals to not take it as a sigh of relief. "It may not be our peak yet," Victoria`s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton told reporters in Melbourne. "I would like to see a week of decreasing numbers." With a surge in cases, University of Queensland will be beginning trials of COVID-19 vaccine from Monday, and the preliminary results can be expected till September.

Australian pub cluster reports almost half of cases; fears of second-wave continue

Australia`s Victoria state reported 273 new cases of the coronavirus and another COVID-19 death on Sunday, marking a week of triple-digit increases in infections, as state authorities battle fresh outbreaks of the pandemic.

Melbourne, the capital of Australia`s second most-populous state, went under a six-week lockdown on Thursday after a spike in community-transmitted cases.

"This is a dangerous time," Victoria`s Premier Daniel Andrews told a news conference.

"I know we are asking a lot of Victorians, but we simply have no choice but to acknowledge the reality that we face and to do what must be done, and that is to follow those rules, to only go out when you need to."

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Sunday`s cases, the second highest for Victoria, home to a quarter of Australia`s 25 million people, follow a record 288 infections reported on Friday. The increase partly reflects increased testing, with the state conducting more than 30,000 tests daily.

There have been multiple outbreaks of the virus, with cases recorded at some public and private hospitals, aged-care facilities, public housing complexes and supermarkets.

A man in his 70s died over the weekend of COVID-19, Andrews said, taking the national toll to 108.

Most primary and secondary school students in Melbourne will be learning remotely until at least Aug. 19, with exceptions for students with special needs, among others, the premier said.

Australia`s other seven states and territories have banned travellers from Victoria amid concern that community transmission was causing a second wave of the virus.

New South Wales, the most-populous state, recorded five new cases on Sunday, as it moved to charge all travellers flying in from overseas A$3,000 ($2,100) for a mandatory two-week quarantine in hotels.

The decision to charge travellers, including Australian citizens, came after the federal government on Friday announced caps on the number of people arriving in Australia.

Australia`s Victoria state reported 273 new cases of the coronavirus and another COVID-19 death on Sunday, marking a week of triple-digit increases in infections, as state authorities battle fresh outbreaks of the pandemic.

Australia`s Victoria state reported 273 new cases of the coronavirus and another COVID-19 death on Sunday, marking a week of triple-digit increases in infections, as state authorities battle fresh outbreaks of the pandemic. Melbourne, the capital of Australia`s second most-populous state, went under a six-week lockdown on Thursday after a spike in community-transmitted cases. "This is a dangerous time," Victoria`s Premier Daniel Andrews told a news conference. "I know we are asking a lot of Victorians, but we simply have no choice but to acknowledge the reality that we face and to do what must be done, and that is to follow those rules, to only go out when you need to." Also read: Teen surfer killed by shark, second in Australia in a week Sunday`s cases, the second highest for Victoria, home to a quarter of Australia`s 25 million people, follow a record 288 infections reported on Friday. The increase partly reflects increased testing, with the state conducting more than 30,000 tests daily. There have been multiple outbreaks of the virus, with cases recorded at some public and private hospitals, aged-care facilities, public housing complexes and supermarkets. A man in his 70s died over the weekend of COVID-19, Andrews said, taking the national toll to 108. Most primary and secondary school students in Melbourne will be learning remotely until at least Aug. 19, with exceptions for students with special needs, among others, the premier said. Australia`s other seven states and territories have banned travellers from Victoria amid concern that community transmission was causing a second wave of the virus. New South Wales, the most-populous state, recorded five new cases on Sunday, as it moved to charge all travellers flying in from overseas A$3,000 ($2,100) for a mandatory two-week quarantine in hotels. The decision to charge travellers, including Australian citizens, came after the federal government on Friday announced caps on the number of people arriving in Australia.

Australia's Victoria state marks week of triple-digit coronavirus cases

As the Asutralian cities are going in another lockdown, Australia's&nbsp;second-most populous state Victoria, may allow almost 3,000 residents to exit from the isolated buildings, as per the officials.

Amid rising number of positive coronavirus cases in the country, especially in the state of Victoria,&nbsp;state premier Daniel Andrews said on Thursday that the state is thinking of relaxing few restrictions and allowing many of the 3,000 people locked down in nine public-housing towers to step outside.

Nearly ten buildings have been on a complete lockdown as new clusters of coronavirus cases were found in the buildings few weeks back.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-recurring-nightmare-australia-reimposes-lockdown-amid-fears-of-second-wave-of-coronavirus-311906">Have a look|&nbsp;A recurring nightmare: Australia reimposes lockdown amid fears of second wave of coronavirus</a>

"There are such numbers of positive cases, together with known close contacts, that the assumption has got to be that everybody in that tower is a close contact of someone who is positive," Andrews said of the tower that will remain in lockdown.

The decision of relaxations came after the residents of the said residential towers resorted to putting messages on their windows asking for 'help'. The officials faced criticism for imposing a strict sudden lockdown, and the residents claimed that many of them did not even have access to essentials.

"We must continue to follow those social distancing protocols all around Australia, even in states or territories where the number of cases is effectively zero," Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

"They are making the decision that two weeks and that cost is worth it to get out of Victoria," deputy premier Stephen Miles said in a televised news conference.

As the Asutralian cities are going in another lockdown, Australia's second-most populous state Victoria, may allow almost 3,000 residents to exit from the isolated buildings, as per the officials.

As the Asutralian cities are going in another lockdown, Australia's second-most populous state Victoria, may allow almost 3,000 residents to exit from the isolated buildings, as per the officials. Amid rising number of positive coronavirus cases in the country, especially in the state of Victoria, state premier Daniel Andrews said on Thursday that the state is thinking of relaxing few restrictions and allowing many of the 3,000 people locked down in nine public-housing towers to step outside. Nearly ten buildings have been on a complete lockdown as new clusters of coronavirus cases were found in the buildings few weeks back. Have a look| A recurring nightmare: Australia reimposes lockdown amid fears of second wave of coronavirus "There are such numbers of positive cases, together with known close contacts, that the assumption has got to be that everybody in that tower is a close contact of someone who is positive," Andrews said of the tower that will remain in lockdown. The decision of relaxations came after the residents of the said residential towers resorted to putting messages on their windows asking for 'help'. The officials faced criticism for imposing a strict sudden lockdown, and the residents claimed that many of them did not even have access to essentials. "We must continue to follow those social distancing protocols all around Australia, even in states or territories where the number of cases is effectively zero," Prime Minister Scott Morrison. "They are making the decision that two weeks and that cost is worth it to get out of Victoria," deputy premier Stephen Miles said in a televised news conference.

Australia decides to release most from sealed buildings despite surge in COVID-19 cases

A late surge in the coronavirus infections has forced Australia to seal off the state of Victoria from the rest of the country from midnight Tuesday, officials said on Monday.

With this measure, the border connecting Australia's two most populous states, Victoria and New South Wales (NSW) will be closed for the first time in hundred years. The last such action was taken in 1919 to contain the spread of Spanish Flu.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-australias-victoria-reports-highest-jump-since-march-with-108-cases-310732">COVID 19: Australia's Victoria reports highest jump since March with 108 cases</a>

The measure came after the state confirmed 127 new COVID-19 infections, its highest one-day tally since the pandemic began. Victoria also reported one death, the first in the country in over two weeks, bringing the overall toll to 105.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-uks-passport-plan-australia-working-on-safe-haven-proposal-for-hong-kong-residents-310096">After UK's passport plan, Australia working on 'safe haven' proposal for Hong Kong residents</a>

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews called the decision as "the smart call, the right call at this time, given the significant challenges we face in containing this virus".

As Australia was easing virus restrictions, Melbourne witnessed a huge surge in community transmission, following which health officials decided to close down some neighbourhoods to the rest of the city till July end.

Australia in its strictest response to date locked 3,000 residents in their homes in Melbourne as sixteen of the fresh cases were recorded in nine high-rise public housing towers.&nbsp;

So far, Australia has confirmed 8,500 coronavirus cases and 105 deaths, and the majority of new cases are being detected in Melbourne.&nbsp;

The lockdown measures are eased in other places in the country after they were largely able to successfully contain the spread of the virus.&nbsp;

A late surge in the coronavirus infections has forced Australia to seal off the state of Victoria from the rest of the country from midnight Tuesday, officials said on Monday.

A late surge in the coronavirus infections has forced Australia to seal off the state of Victoria from the rest of the country from midnight Tuesday, officials said on Monday. With this measure, the border connecting Australia's two most populous states, Victoria and New South Wales (NSW) will be closed for the first time in hundred years. The last such action was taken in 1919 to contain the spread of Spanish Flu. Also read | COVID 19: Australia's Victoria reports highest jump since March with 108 cases The measure came after the state confirmed 127 new COVID-19 infections, its highest one-day tally since the pandemic began. Victoria also reported one death, the first in the country in over two weeks, bringing the overall toll to 105. Also read | After UK's passport plan, Australia working on 'safe haven' proposal for Hong Kong residents Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews called the decision as "the smart call, the right call at this time, given the significant challenges we face in containing this virus". As Australia was easing virus restrictions, Melbourne witnessed a huge surge in community transmission, following which health officials decided to close down some neighbourhoods to the rest of the city till July end. Australia in its strictest response to date locked 3,000 residents in their homes in Melbourne as sixteen of the fresh cases were recorded in nine high-rise public housing towers. So far, Australia has confirmed 8,500 coronavirus cases and 105 deaths, and the majority of new cases are being detected in Melbourne. The lockdown measures are eased in other places in the country after they were largely able to successfully contain the spread of the virus.

Australia: State border sealed first time in 100 years after surge in fresh coronavirus cases

Australia's second most populous state, Victoria, has recorded its biggest jump in number of positive coronavirus cases since late March.

The city reported&nbsp;108 new cases on Saturday, whereas there were 66 cases reported on Friday and&nbsp;and more than 70 new cases in each of the previous four days.

This has increased the focus on the reimposition of the lockdown in Victoria, and has raised concerns of a possible second wave in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-australia-witnesses-record-spike-in-months-amid-fears-of-second-wave-309265">Also read|&nbsp;COVID-19: Australia witnesses record spike in months amid fears of second wave</a>

"These numbers are a very real concern to all of us," Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews told a news conference.

Authorities are urging locals to stay indoors and step out only in case of emergencies. They have also been been urging people to wear face masks and maintain social distance.

Meanwhile, Melbourne has sealed nine residential towers, which houses over 3,000 residents, after several residents in the towers tested positive. Police will be placed on each floor of the towers and law enforcement authorities will also control access points.

Australia's second most populous state, Victoria, has recorded its biggest jump in number of positive coronavirus cases since late March. The city reported 108 new cases on Saturday, whereas there were 66 cases reported on Friday and and more than 70 new cases in each of the previous four days.

Australia's second most populous state, Victoria, has recorded its biggest jump in number of positive coronavirus cases since late March. The city reported 108 new cases on Saturday, whereas there were 66 cases reported on Friday and and more than 70 new cases in each of the previous four days. This has increased the focus on the reimposition of the lockdown in Victoria, and has raised concerns of a possible second wave in the country. Also read| COVID-19: Australia witnesses record spike in months amid fears of second wave "These numbers are a very real concern to all of us," Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews told a news conference. Authorities are urging locals to stay indoors and step out only in case of emergencies. They have also been been urging people to wear face masks and maintain social distance. Meanwhile, Melbourne has sealed nine residential towers, which houses over 3,000 residents, after several residents in the towers tested positive. Police will be placed on each floor of the towers and law enforcement authorities will also control access points.

COVID 19: Australia's Victoria reports highest jump since March with 108 cases

&nbsp;Australia's second most populous state Victoria on Sunday extended its state of emergency for four more weeks to July 19, as it battles a spike in coronavirus infections with a pick-up in community transmission.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-brazil-nears-50000-deaths-experts-fear-real-number-to-be-much-higher-307409" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: Brazil nears 50,000 deaths; experts fear real number to be much higher</a>

The move came a day after the state announced it would reimpose restrictions capping visitors to households to five people and outdoor gatherings to 10, starting Monday. The limits had been relaxed on June 1 to allow up to 20 people in households and public gatherings.

Victoria reported 19 new infections on Sunday, the fifth day of double digit-rises. The state has now had 1,836 total confirmed cases, or a quarter of the cases in Australia, since the COVID-19 pandemic erupted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-to-allow-british-tourists-to-visit-from-sunday-without-need-for-quarantine-spanish-foreign-minister-307363" hreflang="en">Spain to allow British tourists to visit from Sunday without need for quarantine: Spanish foreign minister</a>

Sunday's tally in Victoria included an Australia Rules football player, the first in the league to test positive, whose team and coaching staff have been told to isolate.

The surge in Victoria has alarmed other states, which have had only a few, if any, new cases for several weeks. Western Australia, which shut its borders in April, said it would weigh Victoria's situation in determining when to reopen its borders.

Australian health officials, however, still see no need to require use of face masks, as they would have limited value in a country where absolute numbers of community transmission remain "very low", deputy chief medical officer Nick Coatsworth said.

Avoiding hugging and kissing was "arguably far more important than, say, wearing masks", he said.

Victorian state health minister Jenny Mikakos said 210 of the state's cases are believed tied to community transmission, partly blaming families who have had parties, lunches and dinners attended by people with mild symptoms since restrictions were eased on June 1.

"We obviously have been concerned by the increasing numbers that we have seen in recent days. It is still a very serious situation," Mikakos said at a televised media conference in Melbourne.

State police said they planned to step up enforcement efforts, especially in suburbs where there have been breakouts and patrolling ski resorts and camper-van parks during the upcoming school holidays.

Individuals caught breaching restrictions face fines of up to A$1,652 ($1,129) for individuals and A$9,913 for businesses.

"This is not the time to be complacent," Victoria's police minister, Lisa Neville, told reporters.

The Australian Industry Group, which represents a wide range of employers, said Victoria's tightening of restrictions again, including extending working from home through to the end of July, would make it harder for businesses to reopen later.

"The economic impact unfortunately will be hard and harsh," Ai Group chief executive Innes Willox said.

Australia's second most populous state Victoria on Sunday extended its state of emergency for four more weeks to July 19, as it battles a spike in coronavirus infections with a pick-up in community transmission.

Australia's second most populous state Victoria on Sunday extended its state of emergency for four more weeks to July 19, as it battles a spike in coronavirus infections with a pick-up in community transmission. Also read: Coronavirus: Brazil nears 50,000 deaths; experts fear real number to be much higher The move came a day after the state announced it would reimpose restrictions capping visitors to households to five people and outdoor gatherings to 10, starting Monday. The limits had been relaxed on June 1 to allow up to 20 people in households and public gatherings. Victoria reported 19 new infections on Sunday, the fifth day of double digit-rises. The state has now had 1,836 total confirmed cases, or a quarter of the cases in Australia, since the COVID-19 pandemic erupted. Also read: Spain to allow British tourists to visit from Sunday without need for quarantine: Spanish foreign minister Sunday's tally in Victoria included an Australia Rules football player, the first in the league to test positive, whose team and coaching staff have been told to isolate. The surge in Victoria has alarmed other states, which have had only a few, if any, new cases for several weeks. Western Australia, which shut its borders in April, said it would weigh Victoria's situation in determining when to reopen its borders. Australian health officials, however, still see no need to require use of face masks, as they would have limited value in a country where absolute numbers of community transmission remain "very low", deputy chief medical officer Nick Coatsworth said. Avoiding hugging and kissing was "arguably far more important than, say, wearing masks", he said. Victorian state health minister Jenny Mikakos said 210 of the state's cases are believed tied to community transmission, partly blaming families who have had parties, lunches and dinners attended by people with mild symptoms since restrictions were eased on June 1. "We obviously have been concerned by the increasing numbers that we have seen in recent days. It is still a very serious situation," Mikakos said at a televised media conference in Melbourne. State police said they planned to step up enforcement efforts, especially in suburbs where there have been breakouts and patrolling ski resorts and camper-van parks during the upcoming school holidays. Individuals caught breaching restrictions face fines of up to A$1,652 ($1,129) for individuals and A$9,913 for businesses. "This is not the time to be complacent," Victoria's police minister, Lisa Neville, told reporters. The Australian Industry Group, which represents a wide range of employers, said Victoria's tightening of restrictions again, including extending working from home through to the end of July, would make it harder for businesses to reopen later. "The economic impact unfortunately will be hard and harsh," Ai Group chief executive Innes Willox said.

Australian state extends state of emergency as coronavirus cases spike

The east&nbsp;coast of Australia, especially Victoria and New South Wales (NSW) experienced heavy rain&nbsp;and thunderstorms on Thursday.

Australians are hopeful that the bushfires would be extinguished after the rains&nbsp;or at least the intensity fires will reduce.

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&nbsp;

However, it is similar to a 'double-edged sword' as according to officials, they were short but intense thunderstorms which may lead to flash flooding and lightening could also lead to the blazing of new fires''.

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The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-bushfires-cooler-temperature-and-rainfall-ease-conditions-ahead-of-rough-night-273517">Bureau of Meterology</a> said, ''unsettled weather conditions are expected for the next four or five days''.

''Soaking, steady rain is needed instead of a quick rainfall,'' he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/making-sense-of-australias-bushfire-crisis-means-asking-hard-questions-and-listening-to-the-answers-272544">Also read:&nbsp;Making sense of Australia’s bushfire crisis means asking hard questions</a>

Australia has been ravaged by its worst bushfire season which has claimed the lives of 29 individuals and millions of animals and has destroyed more than 2,500 houses and land twice the size of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-trip-to-get-costlier-as-schengen-visa-fee-hiked-to-eu80-from-february-2-274424">Switzerland.</a>

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At least 85 fires are still alight across NSW&nbsp;and 19 in Victoria.

Although the wet weather had brought some relief from smoke haze that had engulfed the major cities of the country.

Still, Canberra and Melbourne were enlisted in the top 30 most polluted cities globally.

 
&nbsp;

The east coast of Australia, especially Victoria and New South Wales (NSW) experienced heavy rain and thunderstorms on Thursday. Australians are hopeful that the bushfires would be extinguished after the rains or at least the intensity fires will reduce.

The east coast of Australia, especially Victoria and New South Wales (NSW) experienced heavy rain and thunderstorms on Thursday. Australians are hopeful that the bushfires would be extinguished after the rains or at least the intensity fires will reduce. × However, it is similar to a 'double-edged sword' as according to officials, they were short but intense thunderstorms which may lead to flash flooding and lightening could also lead to the blazing of new fires''. The Bureau of Meterology said, ''unsettled weather conditions are expected for the next four or five days''. ''Soaking, steady rain is needed instead of a quick rainfall,'' he added. Also read: Making sense of Australia’s bushfire crisis means asking hard questions Australia has been ravaged by its worst bushfire season which has claimed the lives of 29 individuals and millions of animals and has destroyed more than 2,500 houses and land twice the size of Switzerland. × At least 85 fires are still alight across NSW and 19 in Victoria. Although the wet weather had brought some relief from smoke haze that had engulfed the major cities of the country. Still, Canberra and Melbourne were enlisted in the top 30 most polluted cities globally.

After bushfire, Australian east coast experiences heavy rain and thunderstorms

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

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

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

<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

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-as-bushfires-continue-to-rage-one-more-firefighter-dies-2-others-injured-271059">bushfires</a> ravaging Australia are generating so much heat that they are creating their own weather systems including dry lightning storms and fire tornadoes.

On Saturday, the New South Wales <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-thousands-trapped-as-bushfires-encircles-coastal-town-271141">Rural Fire Service</a> (RFS) warned that a fire on the coast was generating its own weather system 287 km (178 miles) south of Sydney.

"A fire-generated thunderstorm has formed over the Currowan fire on the northern edge of the fire near Nowra. This is a very dangerous situation. Monitor the conditions around you and take appropriate action," the RFS said on social media.

The weather conditions are the results of the formation of pyrocumulonimbus clouds. They have been recorded all over the world but as the global climate changes, they may become a more frequent occurrence for Australians, the country's Climate Council said in a 2019 report.

An&nbsp;RFS firefighter was killed on Monday by a fire tornado caused by the collapse of a pyrocumulonimbus cloud formation that rolled over the fire truck he was in.

Shane Fitzsimmons, the NSW RFS commissioner, pointed to that death when asked about the fire-induced weather patterns.

"That extraordinary event resulted in cyclonic-type base flipping over a 10-tonne truck. That is the volatility and danger that exists," he said.

The pyrocumulonimbus clouds are essentially a thunderstorm that forms from the smoke plume of fire as intense heat from the fire causes air to rise rapidly, drawing in cooler air, according to information from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-australia-records-hottest-day-southern-town-expected-to-near-50-degrees-268999">Australian Bureau of Meteorology</a>.

As the cloud climbs and then cools in the low temperatures of the upper atmosphere, the collisions of ice particles in the higher parts of the cloud build up an electrical charge, which can be released as lightning.

These can cause dangerous and unpredictable changes in fire behaviour, making them harder to fight as well as causing lightning strikes that could ignite new fires.

The rising air also spurs intense updrafts that suck in so much air that strong winds develop, causing a fire to burn hotter and spread further.

The bushfires ravaging Australia are generating so much heat that they are creating their own weather systems including dry lightning storms and fire tornadoes. On Saturday, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) warned that a fire on the coast was generating its own weather system 287 km (178 miles) south of Sydney.

The bushfires ravaging Australia are generating so much heat that they are creating their own weather systems including dry lightning storms and fire tornadoes. On Saturday, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS) warned that a fire on the coast was generating its own weather system 287 km (178 miles) south of Sydney. "A fire-generated thunderstorm has formed over the Currowan fire on the northern edge of the fire near Nowra. This is a very dangerous situation. Monitor the conditions around you and take appropriate action," the RFS said on social media. The weather conditions are the results of the formation of pyrocumulonimbus clouds. They have been recorded all over the world but as the global climate changes, they may become a more frequent occurrence for Australians, the country's Climate Council said in a 2019 report. An RFS firefighter was killed on Monday by a fire tornado caused by the collapse of a pyrocumulonimbus cloud formation that rolled over the fire truck he was in. Shane Fitzsimmons, the NSW RFS commissioner, pointed to that death when asked about the fire-induced weather patterns. "That extraordinary event resulted in cyclonic-type base flipping over a 10-tonne truck. That is the volatility and danger that exists," he said. The pyrocumulonimbus clouds are essentially a thunderstorm that forms from the smoke plume of fire as intense heat from the fire causes air to rise rapidly, drawing in cooler air, according to information from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. As the cloud climbs and then cools in the low temperatures of the upper atmosphere, the collisions of ice particles in the higher parts of the cloud build up an electrical charge, which can be released as lightning. These can cause dangerous and unpredictable changes in fire behaviour, making them harder to fight as well as causing lightning strikes that could ignite new fires. The rising air also spurs intense updrafts that suck in so much air that strong winds develop, causing a fire to burn hotter and spread further.

Australian wildfires developing their own 'weather systems': Authorities

Australian military assisted fire emergency and rescue personnel on Thursday (January 2) in Australia's south-east state of Victoria, where 50 fires are currently burning.

Australian military brings aid to fire-stricken communities in Victoria state

Thousands of holidaymakers and residents risked being stranded in a swathe of Victoria in Australia's southeast as rising temperature and new heatwave continue to fuel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bushfires-hit-emergency-level-on-sydneys-outskirts-one-dead-in-south-australia-269445">bushfires</a>.&nbsp;

The authorities earlier asked more than 30,000 people to evacuate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/residents-holidaymakers-urged-to-leave-australian-region-as-fire-conditions-worsen-270824">Victoria state's popular East Gippsland region </a>on Sunday, adding that soaring temperatures and gusting wings would trigger three large blazes, cutting off the last major road still open.

The residents and tourists in the area faced being stranded as it now "too late to leave", Victoria Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said. The Victoria Emergency Management said that it was "not possible" to provide aid to all the visitors in that area.&nbsp;

<img alt="Bushfire " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="21c872c7-efc3-4e68-8ab7-ba1de628e4a9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2847%29_0.jpg" />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In state's seven out of the nine districts, fire danger is forecast to be extreme.&nbsp;

Neighbouring South Australia is witnessing "catastrophic" fire conditions in some regions as temperatures cross the 40 degrees Celsius-mark and storms bring damaging winds.&nbsp;

The Country Fire Service's Brenton Eden warned that it would be a very "dangerous" day for people in the state, with lightning causing a number of blazes.&nbsp;

New South Wales, which is the worst-affected state in Australia, is also likely to experience deteriorating conditions in the next two days as over 100 fires are burning in the region which includes 40 uncontained.&nbsp;

The temperatures in New South Wales are also expected to climb on New year's eve as thousands traditionally gather near Sydney to watch famous firework celebrations.&nbsp;

So far, 10 people have been killed in season's bushfires, which destroyed 1,000 homes and burned over three million hectares (7.4 million acres) an area bigger than Belgium.

<img alt="Bushfire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b4ea10b5-3178-4d91-b637-77b0e9183be1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2846%29_1.jpg" />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Hundreds of fires are burning across Australia, which is experiencing a devastating summer bushfire season triggered by a prolonged drought and climate change.

The bushfires have made Sydney and other major cities experience toxic smoke for weeks.&nbsp;

This bushfire season is regarded as one of the toughest due to its size and geographical breadth, despite the southern hemisphere summer not reaching its mid-point yet.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<img alt="Bushfire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f5ca798c-b35d-46b3-9f01-43875cb0a44b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2848%29_0.jpg" />

The conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison has still continued his relentless support to Australia's flourishing mining industry and refused to take further action to cut down emissions.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Thousands of holidaymakers and residents risked being stranded in a swathe of Victoria in Australia's southeast as rising temperature and new heatwave continue to fuel bushfires.

Thousands of holidaymakers and residents risked being stranded in a swathe of Victoria in Australia's southeast as rising temperature and new heatwave continue to fuel bushfires. The authorities earlier asked more than 30,000 people to evacuate Victoria state's popular East Gippsland region on Sunday, adding that soaring temperatures and gusting wings would trigger three large blazes, cutting off the last major road still open. The residents and tourists in the area faced being stranded as it now "too late to leave", Victoria Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said. The Victoria Emergency Management said that it was "not possible" to provide aid to all the visitors in that area. In state's seven out of the nine districts, fire danger is forecast to be extreme. Neighbouring South Australia is witnessing "catastrophic" fire conditions in some regions as temperatures cross the 40 degrees Celsius-mark and storms bring damaging winds. The Country Fire Service's Brenton Eden warned that it would be a very "dangerous" day for people in the state, with lightning causing a number of blazes. New South Wales, which is the worst-affected state in Australia, is also likely to experience deteriorating conditions in the next two days as over 100 fires are burning in the region which includes 40 uncontained. The temperatures in New South Wales are also expected to climb on New year's eve as thousands traditionally gather near Sydney to watch famous firework celebrations. So far, 10 people have been killed in season's bushfires, which destroyed 1,000 homes and burned over three million hectares (7.4 million acres) an area bigger than Belgium. Hundreds of fires are burning across Australia, which is experiencing a devastating summer bushfire season triggered by a prolonged drought and climate change. The bushfires have made Sydney and other major cities experience toxic smoke for weeks. This bushfire season is regarded as one of the toughest due to its size and geographical breadth, despite the southern hemisphere summer not reaching its mid-point yet. The conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison has still continued his relentless support to Australia's flourishing mining industry and refused to take further action to cut down emissions. (with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Australia: Nearly 30,000 tourists at risk as massive bushfires continue

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

Bushfires continue to rage in NSW, Victoria, Queensland

Climate change takes a toll on Sydney

Victoria and David Beckham have rubbished rumors that started making rounds that the two are calling off their marriage, reports said on Friday.&nbsp;

After alleged speculations started on social media a few days back, the couple issued a joint statement saying that it is "fake social media news" and called it "bizarre and an embarrassing waste of time," reports said.

Claims that the couple were to split after 19 years of marriage began circulating on Twitter on Friday morning and even prompted high street bookmakers to suspend betting on them getting a divorce.

David Beckham's spokesperson refuted the "nonsense" rumors, saying that it was all "laughable."

The couple survived a similar scandal in 2004. David had been spotted with a woman believed to be his assistant at a nightclub in Madrid, sparking tabloid rumors, reports said.

The Beckhams got married in Ireland in July 1999. The A-list couple have four children together - sons Brooklyn, 19 Romeo, 15 Cruz, 13 and six-year-old daughter Harper.

Victoria, hours before rumors broke of their split, posted an Instagram of herself and Harper with a message for David, making it clear even then that things were fine. "Morning cuddles x So much love ?? We love and miss u @davidbeckham ????" she wrote.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjwSa-2FfEL/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">Morning cuddles x So much love ?? We love and miss u @davidbeckham ????</a>

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&nbsp;

Claims the couple were to split after 19 years of marriage began circulating on Twitter on Friday morning and even prompted high street bookmakers to suspend betting on them getting a divorce

Victoria and David Beckham have rubbished rumors that started making rounds that the two are calling off their marriage, reports said on Friday. After alleged speculations started on social media a few days back, the couple issued a joint statement saying that it is "fake social media news" and called it "bizarre and an embarrassing waste of time," reports said. Claims that the couple were to split after 19 years of marriage began circulating on Twitter on Friday morning and even prompted high street bookmakers to suspend betting on them getting a divorce. David Beckham's spokesperson refuted the "nonsense" rumors, saying that it was all "laughable." The couple survived a similar scandal in 2004. David had been spotted with a woman believed to be his assistant at a nightclub in Madrid, sparking tabloid rumors, reports said. The Beckhams got married in Ireland in July 1999. The A-list couple have four children together - sons Brooklyn, 19 Romeo, 15 Cruz, 13 and six-year-old daughter Harper. Victoria, hours before rumors broke of their split, posted an Instagram of herself and Harper with a message for David, making it clear even then that things were fine. "Morning cuddles x So much love ?? We love and miss u @davidbeckham ????" she wrote. Morning cuddles x So much love ?? We love and miss u @davidbeckham ???? A post shared by Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham) on Jun 7, 2018 at 11:59pm PDT ×

Victoria, David Beckham slam divorce rumors, say it's 'embarrassing waste of time'

David Beckham has announced launch of his own a grooming brand called House 99 in partnership with&nbsp;L&rsquo;Or&eacute;al.

The former footballer and style icon showed the latest collection for his Kent &amp; Curwen label at&nbsp;London Fashion Week Men&#39;s on Sunday.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BduKmRvhHez/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Getting ready for something big. @House99 #House99 #HomeToYourNextLook</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/davidbeckham/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> David Beckham</a> (@davidbeckham) on <time datetime="2018-01-09T08:04:21+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 9, 2018 at 12:04am PST</time>
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&nbsp;At the event, he disclosed the reason behind choosing the number &ldquo;99&rdquo; -- as it marks the year in which he married Victoria, their son Brooklyn was born, and Manchester United won the treble.

In a statement on Tuesday morning, he said, &ldquo;I&rsquo;m so excited to finally share House 99 with everyone around the world! For me, grooming is not only about how you look, but how you feel. It&rsquo;s about being comfortable, trying new things and shaping your next look.&quot;

He added, &ldquo;I created House 99 to give people the inspiration as well as the right products to experiment and feel completely at home doing so. House 99 is here to support men, to give them the tools they need to create whatever look they are going for.&rdquo;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BduZg_wBaag/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">I&rsquo;m excited to introduce my grooming brand @House99. Welcome to the House. #House99 #HomeToYourNextLook</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/davidbeckham/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> David Beckham</a> (@davidbeckham) on <time datetime="2018-01-09T10:15:11+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 9, 2018 at 2:15am PST</time>
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The brand is inspired by British barber shops as well as Beckham&rsquo;s own favourite products, starting with 21 products across skincare, haircare, body care and grooming.

As per the announcement,&nbsp;there is a wide range of products.&nbsp;

House 99 will launch exclusively in the UK on February 1, 2018, rolling out first to other British retailers and then to 19 countries worldwide from March 1.

His brand, House of 99 will be a thirteen-piece grooming line, ranging from hair products to moisturizers and everything in between.

David Beckham has announced launch of his own a grooming brand called House 99 in partnership with L’Oréal. The former footballer and style icon showed the latest collection for his Kent & Curwen label at London Fashion Week Men's on Sunday. Getting ready for something big. @House99 #House99 #HomeToYourNextLook A post shared by David Beckham (@davidbeckham) on Jan 9, 2018 at 12:04am PST × At the event, he disclosed the reason behind choosing the number “99” -- as it marks the year in which he married Victoria, their son Brooklyn was born, and Manchester United won the treble. In a statement on Tuesday morning, he said, “I’m so excited to finally share House 99 with everyone around the world! For me, grooming is not only about how you look, but how you feel. It’s about being comfortable, trying new things and shaping your next look." He added, “I created House 99 to give people the inspiration as well as the right products to experiment and feel completely at home doing so. House 99 is here to support men, to give them the tools they need to create whatever look they are going for.” I’m excited to introduce my grooming brand @House99. Welcome to the House. #House99 #HomeToYourNextLook A post shared by David Beckham (@davidbeckham) on Jan 9, 2018 at 2:15am PST × The brand is inspired by British barber shops as well as Beckham’s own favourite products, starting with 21 products across skincare, haircare, body care and grooming. As per the announcement, there is a wide range of products. House 99 will launch exclusively in the UK on February 1, 2018, rolling out first to other British retailers and then to 19 countries worldwide from March 1.

David Beckham launches own grooming brand called House of 99

Novak Djokovic returned after six months with a bang. He defeated&nbsp;Dominic Thiem 6-1, 6-4 in straight sets. He was suffering from an elbow injury and has not played since Wimbledon in July, where he was ruled out by&nbsp;Tomas Berdych&nbsp;in the quarterfinals.

The exhibition match at Kooyong was his first match of the year. His performance showed no signs of injury. He&nbsp;was in good form and full of optimism&nbsp;as he played exceptionally well.

The Serbian 12-time Grand Slam winner&nbsp;could not control his smile after the winning the match and in the post-match presentation, said that&nbsp;he felt &quot;great&quot; after defeating world number five Dominic Thiem.

Djokovic has dropped to number 14 in the world ranking but seemed fit enough to chase his&nbsp;record seventh Australian Open crown next week.

&quot;I feel great, I was eager to get onto the court,&quot; he said after playing with a flesh-coloured sleeve on his right arm.

&quot;I had a great opponent, it was a test for me to see where I am, how the work we did pays off on the court. It worked pretty well.&quot;

&quot;There was a doubt, especially after I pulled out of the first week of the year,&quot; he admitted.&nbsp;

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Really looking forward to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TieBreakTens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TieBreakTens</a> Melbourne Jan 10. Excited to try out this new fast paced format. It&rsquo;s a great line up and I can&rsquo;t wait to get out on court! Are you ready? <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/stanwawrinka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stanwawrinka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/tomasberdych?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tomasberdych</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ThiemDomi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ThiemDomi</a>.. ???? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EveryPointCounts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EveryPointCounts</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZSc3bUkICA">pic.twitter.com/ZSc3bUkICA</a>
&mdash; Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole/status/950599664923037701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;I personally didn&#39;t know what&#39;s going to happen. We did some treatment and obviously gave it a lot of thought. Luckily for me, I&#39;m here and so I&#39;m hoping in the next four, five days everything will go well and I&#39;ll be ready for the Open.&quot;

&quot;I don&#39;t want to be over-confident, but I&#39;m very, very happy with how it went today,&quot; added the 30-year-old.

&quot;I don&#39;t say I&#39;m at 100 percent, I can only say that when I get the feel of a tournament. Ideally, I would have had another tournament before the start of the Open,&nbsp;&nbsp;but it was not meant to be.

&quot;I&#39;ll take whatever I can -- one or two matches here will be good preparation.&quot;

&quot;Especially the serve &ndash; that was the biggest question mark because of the elbow, that shot in my game was compromised.&quot;

Thiem, who only arrived in Melbourne on Monday night from Doha after four days in bed with a virus, presented only a minimal challenge to the recharged Serb.

&quot;I&#39;m free of fever and healthy again,&quot; the Austrian said. &quot;I&#39;m still jet-lagged and was slow at the beginning of the match. I&#39;ll sleep, eat and train and not do too much. I&#39;ll be fine for the Open.&quot;

&quot;The most important thing is to feel the conditions, to get comfortable,&quot; he said. &quot;It&#39;s important to find a good rhythm.

&quot;Overall, I&#39;m quite happy with my level. I was feeling the ball well and hitting cleanly from both sides.&quot;

&quot;I&#39;m hoping in the next four or five days everything will go well and I&rsquo;ll be ready for the Open.&quot;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Djokovic has not played since Wimbledon 2017 due to an elbow injury, now he will chase a record 7th Australian Open crown next week

Novak Djokovic returned after six months with a bang. He defeated Dominic Thiem 6-1, 6-4 in straight sets. He was suffering from an elbow injury and has not played since Wimbledon in July, where he was ruled out by Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinals. The exhibition match at Kooyong was his first match of the year. His performance showed no signs of injury. He was in good form and full of optimism as he played exceptionally well. The Serbian 12-time Grand Slam winner could not control his smile after the winning the match and in the post-match presentation, said that he felt "great" after defeating world number five Dominic Thiem. Djokovic has dropped to number 14 in the world ranking but seemed fit enough to chase his record seventh Australian Open crown next week. "I feel great, I was eager to get onto the court," he said after playing with a flesh-coloured sleeve on his right arm. "I had a great opponent, it was a test for me to see where I am, how the work we did pays off on the court. It worked pretty well." "There was a doubt, especially after I pulled out of the first week of the year," he admitted. Really looking forward to #TieBreakTens Melbourne Jan 10. Excited to try out this new fast paced format. It’s a great line up and I can’t wait to get out on court! Are you ready? @RafaelNadal @stanwawrinka @tomasberdych @ThiemDomi.. ???? #EveryPointCounts pic.twitter.com/ZSc3bUkICA — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 9, 2018 × "I personally didn't know what's going to happen. We did some treatment and obviously gave it a lot of thought. Luckily for me, I'm here and so I'm hoping in the next four, five days everything will go well and I'll be ready for the Open." "I don't want to be over-confident, but I'm very, very happy with how it went today," added the 30-year-old. "I don't say I'm at 100 percent, I can only say that when I get the feel of a tournament. Ideally, I would have had another tournament before the start of the Open, but it was not meant to be. "I'll take whatever I can -- one or two matches here will be good preparation." "Especially the serve – that was the biggest question mark because of the elbow, that shot in my game was compromised." Thiem, who only arrived in Melbourne on Monday night from Doha after four days in bed with a virus, presented only a minimal challenge to the recharged Serb. "I'm free of fever and healthy again," the Austrian said. "I'm still jet-lagged and was slow at the beginning of the match. I'll sleep, eat and train and not do too much. I'll be fine for the Open." "The most important thing is to feel the conditions, to get comfortable," he said. "It's important to find a good rhythm. "Overall, I'm quite happy with my level. I was feeling the ball well and hitting cleanly from both sides." "I'm hoping in the next four or five days everything will go well and I’ll be ready for the Open."

Very happy with return ahead of Australian Open: Djokovic

A car ploughed into a crowd in Australia&#39;s second-largest city on Thursday injuring 19 people in what police said was a &quot;deliberate act&quot; but one they did not believe was terror-related.

Witnesses said people were thrown through the air after being hit by the vehicle, which did not appear to be trying to stop as it &quot;mowed everybody down&quot; at a busy intersection in downtown Melbourne.

Victoria state police said the 32-year-old driver, an Australian of Afghan descent, was known to authorities for traffic and &quot;minor assault&quot; offences and had mental health issues.

Video:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/australia-car-hits-pedestrians-in-melbourne-several-injured-27349" target="_blank">Car hits pedestrians in Melbourne, several injured</a>

The car was driven &quot;intentionally&quot; through the intersection and collided with a &quot;large number&quot; of pedestrians, Acting Chief Commissioner Shane Patton told reporters in Melbourne.

The driver &quot;has a history of drug use and mental health issues... At this time we do not have any evidence or intelligence to indicate a connection with terrorism&quot; or extremism, he said.

The man was arrested after a tussle with an off-duty police officer.

Investigators were waiting to interview the driver, who was in hospital under police guard.

Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews, called the incident an &quot;evil, deliberate, cowardly act&quot; that left 19 people hurt -- four of them critically.

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A man sits at the scene of the incident. (Reuters)
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Police and emergency services attend to the scene of the incident. (Reuters)
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&#39;Thump, thump&#39; 
In a tweet, police appealed to members of the public to upload any images they might have of the incident to help assist with their investigation.

A witness, named only as Sue, told Melbourne radio station 3AW that she heard screams and saw &quot;people flying everywhere&quot;.

&quot;We could hear this noise, as we looked left, we saw this white car, it just mowed everybody down,&quot; she said.

&quot;People are flying everywhere. We heard thump, thump. People are running everywhere.&quot;

Another witness, John, told ABC Radio Melbourne that he saw an &quot;SUV coming at high speed&quot;.

&quot;(I) really just heard the collision with people with bags and what must be shopping trolleys -- and I hope not prams,&quot; he said.

&quot;I&#39;ve really never seen anything like this before and I haven&#39;t stopped shaking.&quot;

The intersection is one of Melbourne&#39;s busiest, a local shop owner told national broadcaster ABC, and is particularly crowded at this time of the year ahead of the Christmas break, with school holidays under way.

Vehicle attacks 
The incident came after a car mowed down pedestrians in Melbourne&#39;s busiest mall in January, killing six people.

The driver, whose case is still being heard in court, had been pursued by police prior to the rampage after he had allegedly stabbed his brother.

Canberra has become increasingly worried about homegrown extremism and officials say they have prevented 13 terror attacks on home soil in the past few years.

The Australian government in August unveiled a strategy aimed at preventing vehicle attacks in crowded public places.

Suggested steps include deterrent options like fencing and closed circuit cameras, and delaying approaches such as trees and bollards to slow down vehicles.

Melbourne has also been installing a public siren system and more security cameras to warn people of a possible terrorist attack or other serious threats.

Andrews said there would an inquiry into the incident, and whether any further changes to Melbourne&#39;s security measures needed to be made.

Over the next few days, hundreds more police would patrol the city, he added.

While the circumstances surrounding Thursday&#39;s incident were still unclear, there have been several cases of vehicles being used to deliberately maim and kill.

The most deadly such case was in the southern French city of Nice on July 14, 2016, when 31-year-old Tunisian Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel ploughed a 19-tonne truck down a beachside promenade, killing 86 people and injuring hundreds more.

Other deadly attacks using vehicles have taken place in &nbsp;Berlin, New York, London, Stockholm and Barcelona.

Witnesses said people were thrown through the air after being hit by the vehicle, which did not appear to be trying to stop as it 'mowed everybody down' at a busy intersection in downtown Melbourne

A car ploughed into a crowd in Australia's second-largest city on Thursday injuring 19 people in what police said was a "deliberate act" but one they did not believe was terror-related. Witnesses said people were thrown through the air after being hit by the vehicle, which did not appear to be trying to stop as it "mowed everybody down" at a busy intersection in downtown Melbourne. Victoria state police said the 32-year-old driver, an Australian of Afghan descent, was known to authorities for traffic and "minor assault" offences and had mental health issues. Video: Car hits pedestrians in Melbourne, several injured The car was driven "intentionally" through the intersection and collided with a "large number" of pedestrians, Acting Chief Commissioner Shane Patton told reporters in Melbourne. The driver "has a history of drug use and mental health issues... At this time we do not have any evidence or intelligence to indicate a connection with terrorism" or extremism, he said. The man was arrested after a tussle with an off-duty police officer. Investigators were waiting to interview the driver, who was in hospital under police guard. Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews, called the incident an "evil, deliberate, cowardly act" that left 19 people hurt -- four of them critically. A man sits at the scene of the incident. (Reuters) × Police and emergency services attend to the scene of the incident. (Reuters) × 'Thump, thump' In a tweet, police appealed to members of the public to upload any images they might have of the incident to help assist with their investigation. A witness, named only as Sue, told Melbourne radio station 3AW that she heard screams and saw "people flying everywhere". "We could hear this noise, as we looked left, we saw this white car, it just mowed everybody down," she said. "People are flying everywhere. We heard thump, thump. People are running everywhere." Another witness, John, told ABC Radio Melbourne that he saw an "SUV coming at high speed". "(I) really just heard the collision with people with bags and what must be shopping trolleys -- and I hope not prams," he said. "I've really never seen anything like this before and I haven't stopped shaking." The intersection is one of Melbourne's busiest, a local shop owner told national broadcaster ABC, and is particularly crowded at this time of the year ahead of the Christmas break, with school holidays under way. Vehicle attacks The incident came after a car mowed down pedestrians in Melbourne's busiest mall in January, killing six people. The driver, whose case is still being heard in court, had been pursued by police prior to the rampage after he had allegedly stabbed his brother. Canberra has become increasingly worried about homegrown extremism and officials say they have prevented 13 terror attacks on home soil in the past few years. The Australian government in August unveiled a strategy aimed at preventing vehicle attacks in crowded public places. Suggested steps include deterrent options like fencing and closed circuit cameras, and delaying approaches such as trees and bollards to slow down vehicles. Melbourne has also been installing a public siren system and more security cameras to warn people of a possible terrorist attack or other serious threats. Andrews said there would an inquiry into the incident, and whether any further changes to Melbourne's security measures needed to be made. Over the next few days, hundreds more police would patrol the city, he added. While the circumstances surrounding Thursday's incident were still unclear, there have been several cases of vehicles being used to deliberately maim and kill. The most deadly such case was in the southern French city of Nice on July 14, 2016, when 31-year-old Tunisian Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel ploughed a 19-tonne truck down a beachside promenade, killing 86 people and injuring hundreds more. Other deadly attacks using vehicles have taken place in Berlin, New York, London, Stockholm and Barcelona.

Australia car ramming: 19 hurt; police say 'deliberate act' but not terror-related

People in Victoria have been given warning of floods and thunderstorm by Australia&#39;s Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) after heavy rainfall hit the Australian state on Friday.&nbsp;

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A Flood Watch for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Victoria?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Victoria</a> has been updated. Check here for latest warnings and watches: <a href="https://t.co/HLs2UYFQyQ">https://t.co/HLs2UYFQyQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/EUIeLjNrJI">pic.twitter.com/EUIeLjNrJI</a>
&mdash; Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) <a href="https://twitter.com/BOM_Vic/status/936399428247805952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Massive rainfall in Southern part of Australia has left roads blocked and flooded residential areas on Saturday.&nbsp;

According to reports, almost 300 mm of rain and large hailstorms are predicted in the next three days.&nbsp;

Several flights have also been diverted to Sydney and major events have been cancelled in the state, media reports said.

Floodwater started to run quickly downstairs and alleys in Melbourne&#39;s suburb of Ringwood after five minutes of the downpour on Friday afternoon, according to a local resident David Cabler.

The Hume Highway, an inter-city national highway connecting Melbourne to Sydney, was seen submerged in flood waters in a video shared by a Wangaratta florist.

Parts of the Hume Highway have been closed due to the flooding, according to local media. 
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Flash floodwater inundates roads in the Australia's state of Victoria as the rainfalls in part of the state break more than a century old record

People in Victoria have been given warning of floods and thunderstorm by Australia's Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) after heavy rainfall hit the Australian state on Friday. A Flood Watch for #Victoria has been updated. Check here for latest warnings and watches: https://t.co/HLs2UYFQyQ pic.twitter.com/EUIeLjNrJI — Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) December 1, 2017 × Massive rainfall in Southern part of Australia has left roads blocked and flooded residential areas on Saturday. According to reports, almost 300 mm of rain and large hailstorms are predicted in the next three days. Several flights have also been diverted to Sydney and major events have been cancelled in the state, media reports said. Floodwater started to run quickly downstairs and alleys in Melbourne's suburb of Ringwood after five minutes of the downpour on Friday afternoon, according to a local resident David Cabler. The Hume Highway, an inter-city national highway connecting Melbourne to Sydney, was seen submerged in flood waters in a video shared by a Wangaratta florist. Parts of the Hume Highway have been closed due to the flooding, according to local media.

Record-breaking rainfall triggers flash floods in Australia

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