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Australia: State of Disaster Declared in Victoria Due to Bushfires

Published January 10, 2026, 07:14
Australia: State of Disaster Declared in Victoria Due to Bushfires

The state of Victoria in Australia has declared a state of disaster due to widespread bushfires raging through scrubland. The fires have destroyed homes and vast forested areas, exacerbated by a heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40°C and strong winds. Victoria's Premier, Jacinda Allan, declared the state of disaster to give firefighters the power to order emergency evacuations. Ten major fires continue to burn and are expected to remain active for days or even weeks. Researchers report that Australia's temperature has risen by an average of 1.51°C since 1910, leading to more frequent extreme weather events.