Latest news Wildfires rage across parts of Australia
Forest fires have been raging in south-eastern Australia for days and, according to forecasts, could last well beyond Christmas. More than 300 firefighters have been deployed, reported the news agency AAP. The fire was sparked by lightning strikes almost a week ago in the Grampians National Park. The park is located around three hours' drive west of Melbourne in the state of Victoria and has been closed for the time being, according to the operator. Hikers and campers have been asked to leave the affected areas.
22.12.2024, 17:33
22.12.2024, 17:34
SDA
According to media reports, residents of several towns in the region have also been asked to take shelter. In the meantime, the fire has spread to an area of 36,000 hectares. Strong winds and drought accelerated the spread, it was said. It could still take weeks to fully contain the fire, Australian media reported, citing local authorities. Temperatures of just under 40 degrees are expected in the region in the coming days.
Australia is particularly affected by climate change. A report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in February 2022 assumes that the country will be hit even more frequently by devastating natural events in the future. Stronger heat, more dangerous fires, more droughts and floods, higher sea levels and drier winters are to be expected.
