DISASTERS
Australia battles “catastrophic” bushfires
November 11, 2019 - The city of Sydney is facing a “catastrophic” bushfire threat for the first time since new fire danger ratings were introduced in 2009.
At least three people are dead and thousands have been displaced by three days of dangerous weather conditions in New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland. The two states, where more than 120 bushfires are currently burning, have declared a state of emergency.
Temperatures are expected to reach 37C by Tuesday. Conditions are predicted to be worse than on Friday, when the firestorms began tearing through eastern Australia.
The catastrophic rating was introduced in 2009 following the so-called Black Saturday bushfires that killed 173 people. This is the first time it has been declared for Sydney.
Australia's fire season risks growing longer and more intense due to climate change, according to scientists.
- NSW, Queensland, WA fire emergency (The Australian)
- Australia battles bushfires, prepares for catastrophic conditions (Reuters)
- Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans (NSW Rural Fire Service)
- Australia bushfires: State of emergency declared over catastrophic threat (BBC)
- Australia fires: nation braces for most dangerous bushfire week ever seen (The Guardian)