Thousands of koalas feared dead in Australia wildfires

Thousands of koalas are feared to have died in a wildfire-ravd area rth of Sydney, furr diminishing Australia’s iconic marsupial, while fire danger accelerated Saturday in country’s east as temperatures soared.

mid-rth coast of New South Wales was home to up to 28,000 koalas, but wildfires in area in recent months have significantly reduced ir population. Koalas are native to Australia and are one of country’s most beloved animals, but y’ve been under threat due to a loss of habitat.

“Up to 30% of ir habitat has been destroyed,” Environment Minister Sussan Ley told Australian Brocasting Corporation. “We’ll kw more when fires are calmed down and a proper assessment can be me.”

Ims shared of koalas drinking water after being rescued from wildfires have gone viral on social media in recent days. “I get mail from all around world from people absolutely moved and amazed by our wildlife volunteer response and also by habits of se curious creatures,” Ley said.

About 5 million hectares (12.35 million acres) of land have burned nationwide during wildfire crisis, with nine people killed and more than 1,000 homes destroyed.

Fire danger in New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory was upgred to severe on Saturday, as high temperatures built up over region. Sydney’s western suburbs reached 41 degrees Celsius (106 Fahrenheit) on Saturday, while inner city is expected to hit 31 C (88 F) on Sunday before reaching 35 C (95 F) on Tuesday.

Two wildfires in New South Wales are at “watch and act” level issued by fire services.

Canberra, Australia’s capital, peaked at 38 C (100 F) on Saturday, with oppressive temperatures forecast for next seven days.

Meanwhile, New South Wales Emergency Services Minister David Elliott has gone on an overseas family vacation in wake of Prime Minister’s Scott Morrison’s much-criticized family trip to Hawaii recently.

Morrison, who apologized for going away, eventually cut short his vacation and returned to Sydney last weekend.

Elliott said he will be briefed daily while overseas. “If bushfire situation should demand it, I will return home without hesitation,” he said.