AUSTRALIA’s fires have continued to ravage the country as officials warn dangers have escalated to an “entirely new level”. Is it raining in Australia, and how is the weather affecting the fires?
The cool weather that has brought relief to Victoria will continue on Monday, with showers expected to give firefighters some respite before the heat returns later in the week.
The fire danger rating forecast for East Gippsland and the north east of Victoria on Monday is low to moderate, with temperatures of under 20C forecast.
The intense fire activity in the southeast and northeast of Victoria, however, is producing hazardous smoke conditions that are likely to worsen on Monday, EPA Victoria said.
Emergency warnings are in place for East Gippsland communities in the path of bushfires at Cann Valley and in the Drummer and Merremingger state forests.
Thank Christ ☔️ pic.twitter.com/cG1WmKFp3P
— Tom Chadwick (@TomChadwick_7) 5 January 2020
Light rain fell across Victoria on Sunday, but authorities urged people to remain vigilant.
“This will be a changing, dynamic situation. We know that the weather will start to warm up and that when we get into Thursday and Friday, potential spike days again,” Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said.
More than a million hectares have burnt statewide, 800,000 of them in East Gippsland alone.
Patchy rain over Victoria has resulted in falls of 5-15mm across West Gippsland. Falls of 1-5mm have been recorded across East Gippsland & the Northeast, with a further 5-10mm expected there today. https://t.co/ZjiDlW7tZv pic.twitter.com/voMgMN6Xag
— Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) 5 January 2020
Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed four Victorians are still unaccounted for in fire-affected areas.
The Victorian government has announced a dedicated fund to support Victorian bushfires survivors, contributing $2 million.
The national disaster has shocked Australians and prompted generous donations from all corners of the country.
Australian comedian Celeste Barber helped raise a staggering $25 million by Sunday evening to help NSW firefighters.
Many have been asking how you can help the people and animals affected by the bushfire crisis. We’ve launched the ‘HELP HERE’ page to make that easier for you.
