Australians urged to evacuate immediately as bushfires loom large

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

Dangerous day ahead

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

Sweeping powers with fire services

The declaration of fire emergency gave broad powers to the Rural Fire Service to direct public and government authorities for mitigating the risk. The fire service also asked the residents to take action on the bushfire survival plan. They advised the 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.

Read: Australia: State Of Emergency Declared Amid 'catastrophic' Bushfires

Call for action

State of emergency prohibits welding, grinding and the 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 the 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 added.

Read: Australians Warned Worst Bushfires May Be Yet To Come

Environmentalist lawmakers get the blame

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

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

Read: Australia: Three People Dead, 150 Houses Destroyed In Bushfires

Read: Brazil: Fires In Pantanal Wetlands Rip Through The Biodiverse Region

(With Inputs from Agencies)