The searing temperatures that have baked much of southern Australia look set to continue for several weeks yet … and the risk of further bushfires remains sky high.
The devastation wreaked in Tasmania and elsewhere in recent days is clear evidence of just how real and how potent the threat is. According to news reports, up to 100 people remain unaccounted for in southern Tasmania as the fires, which have destroyed more than 100 properties, continue to burn. Despite fear that lives may have been lost, no deaths have yet been confirmed.
The multiple fires sent out huge plumes of smoke which closed highways and forced the evacuation of at least one caravan park, the Richmond caravan park, east of Hobart. Not surprisingly, Tasmania’s Parks and Wildlife Service also closed off the Mount Field National Park located near the massive Lake Repulse fire, and also closed tracks in the Freycinet, Maria Island, South Bruny and Douglas Apsley national parks.
While the bushfires have been terrifying and upsetting for the many tourists who are in Tasmania at this time of the year, their inconvenience is of nothing compared to the suffering of the many, many people who have lost their homes and, of course, those who may have lost their lives.
Bushfires are also burning in many other states, including a major one in Victoria’s southwest.
Worryingly, the situation is not expected to improve any time soon, The Victorian Fire Services Commissioner, Craig Lapsley, said the state will be plunged into a severe or extreme fire risk category every four days for the next five weeks.
“The indication is there will be no rain in January and probably into February and if there is, it will be very isolated,” Mr Aspley said. “This is coupled with the heat in central Australia now moving towards the eastern states.”
Have you been affected by the bushfires? Is it changing the way you travel? Comment below.
