Australians urged to evacuate immediately as bushfires loom large

Australian authorities have urged residents to evacuate high-risk areas affected by ‘catastrophic’ bushfires in eastern coast of country. Fires across New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland have alrey killed three people and more than 150 homes got destroyed over weekend. 

Dangerous day ahe

NSW Premier Glys Berejiklian reportedly asked everyone to be on alert and prepare for worst. As Bureau of Meteorology predicted severe fire danger due to hot, dry, fresh and gusty west to rthwesterly winds, Berejiklian said, “ catastrophic wear conditions mean that things can change very quickly.”

Sweeping powers with fire services

declaration of fire emergency gave bro powers to Rural Fire Service to direct public and government authorities for mitigating risk. fire service also asked residents to take action on bushfire survival plan. y vised residents of affected zones to avoid fire-prone areas saying a large town or city, shopping centres or facilities well away from bushland areas may be a safer area. NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons urged people to relocate while things are calm.

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Call for action

State of emergency prohibits welding, grinding and use of oxy-acetylene cutting or heating outdoors and gives authorities to draw on private resources to assist in firefighting or preparation.

"We're experiencing tinder box-like conditions across much of state and all it takes is one spark to start a fire that may burn for days," said Mike Wassing, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Acting Commissioner. "This declaration is vital to prevent bushfires breaking out and posing a danger to lives and property," he ded.

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Environmentalist lawmakers get blame

Some residents of affected areas claim that prevention of regular controlled burning of forests, by environmentalist lawmakers, in fear of smoke has led to catastrophic situation.

“My only thoughts today are with those who have lost ir lives and ir families. firefighters who are fighting fires, response effort that has to be delivered and how Commonwealth has to respond in supporting those efforts,” Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

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(With Inputs from ncies)