Giant Fires Ravage the State of Victoria, Australia
A Catastrophe Fueled by an Extreme Heatwave
Over 300,000 hectares of bushland have been devastated by fierce fires in the Australian state of Victoria, ignited by an intense heatwave. The flames have destroyed numerous homes and left tens of thousands without electricity.
Fires Still Active in Southeastern Australia
Triggered midweek in the southeast of the country, which is facing extreme temperatures, the fires remain particularly active. According to authorities, about ten major fire fronts were still burning as of Saturday, complicating firefighting efforts.
A Heavy Toll on Property and Massive Power Outages
At least 130 structures, including homes, have been destroyed, while around 38,000 residences and businesses remain without electricity. This situation rekindles the trauma of the “Black Summer” of 2019-2020, which was marked by unprecedented fires that claimed 33 lives.
Thousands of Firefighters Mobilized
On the ground, thousands of firefighters are deployed in efforts to contain unstable fires. Progress remains uneven across different areas, with unfavorable weather continuing to dictate the evolution of the blazes.
Victoria Declared a Disaster Zone
Extensive areas of Victoria have been declared disaster zones, as Saturday was classified as high-risk, with conditions deemed “extremely dangerous” by officials.
Longwood Severely Affected
Near Longwood, north of Melbourne, one of the most destructive fires has already consumed about 130,000 hectares, destroying homes, vineyards, and agricultural land.
Evacuations and Alerts Extended to Neighboring States
Dozens of communities have been evacuated, and many parks and campsites have been closed. Heatwave and fire alerts have now spread to neighboring states, putting maximum pressure on emergency services and local populations.
