Manama: Australian officials confirmed more than 350,000 hectares of land has been burnt so far, with more than 300 structures destroyed, as a result of the raging bushfires in Victoria. Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan said there were 32 active fires across the state, with 10 major fire sites, adding; “We are not through the worst of this, by a long way,” according to the German Press Agency (dpa).
According to Bahrain News Agency, Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said some 15,000 response crews were on the ground, adding, “The loss and damage assessment will continue for some days at this point in time.” He said the Longwood fire had a perimeter of more than 400 kilometres. “There are some areas that we’ve been able to get into and undertake damage assessments, but there are other areas that are still far too dangerous.”
The Australian government pledged a $19.5 million (US$13 million) support package for those affected by the fires. Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, said the support package included one-off disaster recovery payments, as well as money to help distribute fodder to farmers.