Record Heatwave Hits Southeast Australia.. Fires and Power Outages Affect Thousands of Homes

A record heatwave has intensified in Southeast Australia for the fifth consecutive day, leading to widespread bushfires and power outages affecting thousands of facilities. Authorities have classified this heatwave as the worst since the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009, which claimed the lives of 173 people.

Continuation of the Phenomenon for 8 Days

The state of Victoria, the second most populous state, announced that the heatwave will continue for eight consecutive days, while an emergency management official indicated that the effects of the heatwave are already being felt on the ground, amid warnings of high temperatures and associated risks.

Unprecedented Severity Linked to Climate Change

David Crook, an expert at the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, stated that the current temperatures are entirely unusual and are linked to climate change, noting that the severity of the heatwave is comparable to what the region experienced in January 2009 and January 1939. He added that data indicates an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves since 2000.

Direct Damage and Power Outages

The fires have caused power outages affecting about 11,000 facilities in Victoria, down from 105,000 facilities the previous day. Firefighters are battling six major fires, three of which are out of control.

Material and Human Losses

One of the fires has burned over 27,000 acres and destroyed at least 16 buildings. Residents are still recovering from the fires earlier this month, which resulted in the destruction of around 400 homes and spread over an area equivalent to one million acres.