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Deaths as ‘catastrophic’ bush fires rage across Australian states
Authorities in Queensland and New South Wales have declared states of emergency as over 60 bushfires rage across the east of Australia.
Three people have died and more than 150 homes have been destroyed. There are warnings things could get much worse over the next two days.
The Sydney metro region is under a catastrophic fire danger alert as 34-degree heat and strong winds whip up the fires.
Some flights out of Sydney were delayed or cancelled over the weekend. All travellers are being advised to check with their airline for updates.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said: "Tomorrow is about protecting life, protecting property and ensuring everybody is safe as possible."
The NSW Rural Fire Service is urging people to evacuate immediately.
Bushfires are common during Australia’s dry summers, but these have come slightly earlier than usual and there is little chance of much-needed rainfall for weeks.
According to NSW Rural Fire Service spokesperson Anthony Clark the current forecast is ‘as bad as it gets’.
"There’s a lot of hard work ahead of us, but the simple message is we’re not going to get on top of those fires before these really bad conditions hit on Tuesday," Clark said.
There are about 60 bushfires raging at the moment as hundreds more fire fighters are shipped in from across the country.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has updated its advice to British travellers in the region.
The FCO said: "Several bushfires are currently burning across Northern New South Wales extending into the Sunshine Coast region in Queensland, with many residents advised to evacuate.
"The New South Wales Rural Fire Service have advised the Greater Sydney and Greater Hunter regions will experience catastrophic fire danger on Tuesday 12 November; if you’re in or near an affected area, stay safe and follow the advice of local authorities; in the event of emergency, always dial Triple Zero (000)."
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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