Australia’s Victoria Ravaged by Bushfires, Hundreds of Homes Without Power

Victoria, Australia, devastating bushfires have destroyed over a hundred homes and left nearly 38,000 houses and businesses without electricity. Authorities confirmed the situation on Saturday, January 10. More than ten large fires are still active across the state.

The fires broke out in southeastern Australia amid a severe heatwave earlier this week. So far, more than 300,000 hectares of forest have been burned, and at least 130 structures have been destroyed. This is considered Victoria’s most severe wildfire since the 2019–2020 Black Summer, during which an area equivalent to the size of Turkey was scorched and 33 people lost their lives.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that Victoria is facing extreme and dangerous fire risks. A large portion of the state has been declared a disaster zone. Residents in high-risk areas have been evacuated, and parks and campgrounds have been closed.

A heatwave warning has been issued across much of Victoria. Neighboring New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory have also been put on high alert for fire risks by the country’s meteorological department. Thousands of firefighters are on the ground battling the blazes, but the fires are yet to be fully contained.

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