Saturday, January 5, 2013

Thousands flee Wildfires in Tasmania, Australia

Oh gosh, I just read news about wildfires raging on the island of Tasmania, Australia. Thousands have fled from the wildfires that have destroyed at least 80 properties and leaving unconfirmed reports of one man dying in the blaze, according to the police.

The fires flared on Friday as much of the country suffered a summer heatwave which pushed temperatures above 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in Tasmania, a southern island state known for its cooler climate.

One of the worst affected areas was the small community of Dunalley, some 55 kilometres (34 miles) east of Hobart, where police estimate about 30 percent of the buildings have been destroyed, including the police station and school.

Bushfires are also burning in other parts of Australia, including South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

More: The Star..Thousands flee wildfires in southern Australia


6 comments:

  1. Anonymous12:11 PM

    Ya...heatwave there! Terrible...Adelaide was 45 degrees yesterday!!! I can imagine how hot...and those horrendous flies!!! Would hate to be there!!!

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    Replies
    1. Not a good thing. Reminds me of our own hotspots during hot weather and "land-clearing for planting" months - and the resultant haze.

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  2. Good servant but bad master. STP you would be breathing out fire at 45degrees like any other dragon.

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    Replies
    1. 45degs is really hot! Fortunately, we don't have such readings in Malaysia. 35degs would already get everyone complaining - even the apeks in singlets. haha..

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  3. It was 54.5 degree when the fire started. Holy smoke! I don't think I can even bear 35-38 degree. Luckily, Sydney is located at the coast and weather is not so extreme compare to other part of Aussie.

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  4. Wow, with that temperature, fires can be started easily.

    I sometimes wish KL is by the coast. Love to see ships passing by.

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