One person dead as PM visits bushfire-ravaged towns with 300 structures destroyed and 350,000 hectares burned
The Guardian••general
Key Points:
- A severe heatwave in south-east Australia has triggered extensive bushfires, resulting in one confirmed death, destruction of over 300 structures including 80 homes, and the evacuation of entire towns, with fires burning 350,000 hectares.
- Victoria remains under a state of disaster with 32 active fires, and emergency warnings urging residents to evacuate or seek shelter; firefighters and emergency services expect the fires to continue for weeks.
- Authorities have found human remains near the Longwood fire area and are still assessing property losses, with many regions too dangerous for damage evaluations; 13 relief centers are open to support affected communities.
- The Victorian government, supported by federal funding totaling $19.5 million, is providing disaster recovery aid, while residents face
