Hundreds of thousands of hectares have been burned, tens of thousands of houses have lost power. Large fires are raging in Australia

Within a few days, the fire covered about 300 thousand hectares of territory and destroyed at least 130 buildings.

According to Allan, the state of emergency decision extended to 18 municipalities and one Alpine resort. Some 24,000 homes and businesses remain without power in high-risk areas, and the highest level of warnings are in effect across more than 820,000 hectares, including near the Great Ocean Road.

The media notes that the declaration of a state of emergency provides the government with expanded powers, in particular the ability to restrict movement, requisition private property for the needs of rescue services and carry out mandatory evacuation of the population.

Allan emphasized that the fires are “large-scale, fast-moving and destructive,” and the main thing now is protecting the lives of the population. She added that three people who were considered missing had been found alive.

Authorities warn that the situation could worsen despite gradually falling temperatures. A storm and flood warning has been issued for northern Queensland due to a tropical cyclone that could bring heavy rain and gusty winds.