The extent of the Australian fires: 23 deaths and the destruction of forests the size of Georgia
The bushfires that have devastated large parts of southeastern Australia are so hot that they have produced storms and lightning that are similar to conditions from a volcanic eruption or an atomic bomb explosion.
About 150 fires were burning in the Australian state of New South Wales as of Sunday, with another 39 in the neighboring state of Victoria, before conditions worsened as temperatures rose above 37 degrees Celsius and strong and unpredictable winds blew.
The Australian fires, which began in September 2019, have so far destroyed more than 5 million hectares of land and destroyed more than 1,500 homes. The death toll has so far been reported at 23.
So far, 6 million hectares of forests in southeastern Australia have burned, equivalent to twice the area of Belgium or the size of Georgia or Ireland.
Record-breaking heat in Australia has fueled the spread of the fires. Winds have pushed the flames towards the coast, accelerating the fire's advance. On the other hand, reduced rainfall has added to the problems. The BBC reported that eastern Australia has received less than average rainfall.
Source: Voice of America
