What we have been afraid, the explosion of wildfires has verified today (Saturday, Jan 4th) with the peak of the heatwave across southeast Australia and intensified winds towards the burning areas. More than 60.000 km2 of land burned, while wildfires (now 200+ ongoing) are expanding. There are now at least 20 people reported dead with much more missing. The death toll is catastrophic among animals as around 500 million have been killed so far. Finally, some relief is coming after today, as winds weaken and heatwave vanishes, at least for a few days.
Visible satellite imagery of the huge smoke plumes extending from eastern Victoria and southern New South Wales into the ocean – red dots are the ongoing fires!
The smoke expanded as wildfires literally exploded out of control due to the arrival of much stronger winds from the northwest today – attached is morning vs. afternoon satellite image.
Satellite view of smoke plumes from #AustralianFires near #Canberra, via @zoom_earth
See the latest images here: https://t.co/Zma1gR12TF#NSWFires #VicFires #AustraliaBurning #firecrisis pic.twitter.com/dcfTy3VWGf
— Zoom Earth (@zoom_earth) January 4, 2020
A couple of reports – pictures speak more than a thousand words:
We've evacuated to a shelter next door, our neighbours' stable. Large and safe
This is what happened at nightfall #Nowra #Shoalhaven #AustraliaBurning #NSWfires #auspol pic.twitter.com/c5jFD5cqNy— (resolute synth meat intensified) (@synth_meat) January 4, 2020
Australia is on fire. Nearly half a billion animals have been killed with more than 14.5 million acres burned. This is climate change. pic.twitter.com/Mvy6JRe9o2
— Earth (@earth) January 3, 2020
Talk about what’s happening in Australia, which is suffering its worst bushfire season in recorded history.
Such an unimaginable catastrophe has killed half a billion animals & still burns profusely. PRAYERS & AID FOR AUSSIE!#AustraliaBurning #AustraliaOnFire #worldwar3 pic.twitter.com/FoJyci18hp
— kash (@kashifchico) January 4, 2020
https://twitter.com/Bayader_f/status/1213397069735616512
Stay tuned for updates!
See also: