Australia declares state of disaster as bushfires rip through Victoria: ‘leave, go’
Emergency crews can now force evacuations as conditions rivalled the infamous ‘Black Summer’ blazes of 2019-2020
One of the most destructive bushfires ripped through almost 150,000 hectares (370,000 acres) near Longwood, a region cloaked in native forests.
State Premier Jacinta Allan on Saturday declared a state of disaster, giving fire crews emergency powers to force evacuations.
“It’s all about one thing: protecting Victorian lives,” she said. “And it sends one clear message: if you have been told to leave, go.”
Three people missing inside one of the state’s most dangerous fire grounds had been found, Allan said.
It sends one clear message: if you have been told to leave, go
Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said at least 130 structures had been destroyed across the state, a figure that includes houses, sheds and other buildings.