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Today's Paper | November 23, 2024

Published 06 Jan, 2020 02:57pm

In pictures: Australia burns as wildfires enter sixth day

Since January 1 fires have ravaged more than 8 million hectares (19.8 million acres) of land across Australia — an area nearly the size of Austria — killing 25 people, destroying thousands of building and leaving some towns without electricity and mobile coverage.

More than 135 fires are still burning across the state, including almost 70 that are yet to be contained. Australia's Rural Fire Service is sending out warnings that rain won't put out the largest and most dangerous blazes before conditions deteriorate again this week.

Australians know to expect summer wildfires. But the blazes arrived early this year, fed by drought and the countrys hottest and driest year on record.

Scientists say theres no doubt man-made global warming has played a major role in feeding the fires, along with factors like very dry brush and trees and strong winds.

Australia's capital Canberra had the worst air quality of any major city in the world on Monday morning.

A long exposure picture shows a car commuting on a road as the sky turns red from smoke of the Snowy Valley bushfire on the outskirts of Cooma. — AFP

A dog sits amongst ash from bushfires washed up on a beach in Merimbula. — AFP

Royal Australian Navy MH-60R Seahawk 'Romeo' helicopters departing to take part in bushfire relief operations. — AFP

A warrant officer searches the ground from an army helicopter during a flight to Omeo to evacuate local civilian residents during Operation Bushfire Assist. — AFP

A burnt vehicle is seen on Quinlans street after an overnight bushfire in Quaama. — AFP

A military helicopter flies above a burning woodchip mill in Eden, New South Wales. — AFP

People rush to board a helicopter as the fire ravaged community of Mallacoota is evacuated. — AP

Burnt letter boxes are seen on Quinlans street after an overnight bushfire in Quaama. — AFP

A woodchip mill burnt by bushfires in Australia. — AFP

A horse grazes in front of a burnt house after an overnight bushfire in Cobargo — AFP

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