Australia’s southeast is engulfed in flames as bushfires fueled by extreme heat destroy homes, disrupt power, and force mass evacuations. Over 300,000 hectares of Victorian bushland have burned this week alone, with 10 active fires still threatening communities. Authorities report 130 structures destroyed and 38,000 homes/businesses without electricity – marking Victoria’s worst fire crisis since the catastrophic 2019–2020 Black Summer blazes. 🚒
Emergency-level fires near the Victoria-New South Wales border have closed state parks and displaced thousands as temperatures hit 45°C (113°F). Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared much of Victoria a disaster zone, calling conditions “extreme and dangerous.” Sydney also sweltered at 42.2°C this week – 17 degrees above average for January. 🌡️
While firefighters work tirelessly, meteorologists predict relief this weekend as cooler southern winds arrive. The crisis highlights climate challenges for a nation still recovering from historic wildfires. Stay safe, mates – this isn’t your average summer. 🇦🇺💔
