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Man Dies as Victoria Declares State of Disaster Amid Raging Bushfires

A man in his 60s was found dead in his car near a fire ground in Victoria, as the state grapples with a severe bushfire crisis. Premier Jacinta Allan reported 10 major fires burning, with over 300,000 hectares of land believed to be burnt and 120 structures destroyed. A state of disaster has been declared for 19 areas, granting authorities sweeping powers to manage the emergency. While temperatures have dropped, strong winds continue to pose a threat, causing fires to spread unpredictably.

Key Points: Victoria Bushfires: State of Disaster Declared, One Dead

  • Man found dead near fire ground
  • State of disaster for 19 areas
  • Over 300,000 hectares burnt
  • 120 structures destroyed, livestock lost
2 min read

Bushfire claims one life in Australia's Victoria, state of disaster declared

A man found dead near a fire ground as Victoria declares a state of disaster. Over 300,000 hectares burnt, 120 structures destroyed.

"Authorities believe over 300,000 hectares of land have been burnt - Jacinta Allan"

Victoria, Jan 10

A man has died, and a state of disaster has been declared amid the ongoing bushfire crisis in the southeast Australian state of Victoria.

Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan said at a press conference that a man aged in his 60s was found deceased in his car near the town of Harcourt, 110 km northwest of Melbourne, on Friday afternoon.

His death was not directly related to the fires, Allan said, but occurred in close proximity to a fire ground, reports Xinhua news agency.

Three other people who were reported missing on Friday after their home near the town of Longwood, 120 km north of Melbourne, was destroyed by one of the most severe fires in the state have been found safe.

Local fire authorities said three firefighters have been injured while battling fires.

Allan said that 10 major fires were burning across Victoria as of Saturday morning, and another 20 were being closely monitored by authorities.

A total of 200 fires were burning across Victoria on Friday as temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, and Allan said on Saturday that authorities believe over 300,000 hectares of land have been burnt and 38,000 homes and businesses are without power.

Temperatures dropped on Saturday, but authorities have warned that strong winds will continue to cause fires to spread unpredictably.

Emergency management authorities said on Saturday that at least 120 structures across the state of Victoria have been destroyed by fires, and there have been significant livestock losses.

The state government has declared a state of disaster for 19 areas, allowing authorities to possess private property to respond to fires, control movement and compel evacuations.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The declaration of a state of disaster, allowing authorities to take control of private property, is a necessary but extreme step. It shows how critical the situation is. The loss of livestock is also a huge economic blow for farmers. Australia needs to invest more in long-term fire management strategies, not just emergency response.
D
David E
Reading about the injured firefighters really hits home. These are true heroes putting their lives on the line. Glad to hear the three missing people were found safe. The unpredictable spread due to winds is the scariest part. Stay safe, everyone in Victoria.
A
Aman W
Over 38,000 homes without power! That's a massive disruption. It reminds me of the cyclones we face on the eastern coast. The infrastructure damage takes so long to rebuild. Hope the temperature stays down and the winds calm. Sending strength from India. 🙏
S
Sarah B
While the immediate response is crucial, I respectfully think the article misses the bigger picture. These extreme fire seasons are becoming more frequent and intense globally due to climate change. Australia, like all developed nations, needs more aggressive climate action. Our prayers are with the victims, but we also need policy changes.
K
Karthik V
The sheer number of fires is mind-boggling – 10 major ones and 20 being monitored. The authorities must be stretched so thin. It's good they have the legal power to compel evacuations. In such crises, individual decisions can be fatal. Hope the worst is over soon.

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