On December 21, the wildfire situation in the Australian state of Victoria significantly worsened. Authorities issued the highest-level evacuation warning for hundreds of residents in the western part of the state. The situation was particularly alarming near Grampians National Park, located about 150 miles west of Melbourne, where small towns faced significant threats. Local residents were given only two hours to evacuate, recalling the tragic experience of the "Black Summer" of 2019–2020, during which hundreds of lives were lost and 59 million acres of forest were destroyed.
One of the major fires, sparked by a lightning strike on Tuesday and rapidly spreading, had consumed more than 69,000 acres of forest by Saturday. Approximately 400 firefighters, over 100 fire trucks, and 25 aircraft were deployed to combat the blaze. The economy of the Grampians region is losing $1.9 million daily due to fire-related damages.
The situation is exacerbated by a combination of extreme heat, dry conditions, and strong winds. In the Grampians area, temperatures reached 97 degrees Fahrenheit, increasing the risk of fire spread. Fortunately, there have been no fatalities so far, but firefighters have already faced the hazards of the disaster, with four of them sustaining injuries.
While some fires have been contained, the threat persists in other locations.
In high-risk areas, a total fire ban has been implemented, affecting places like the Mount Lofty Ranges and the western coastline. Relief centers have been set up for evacuees in Ararat and Stawell, and Victoria has received support from interstate firefighting teams.
Experts warn that climatic conditions for wildfires in southern and eastern Australia are becoming increasingly extreme, with seasons starting earlier and temperatures rising.
The modern world is experiencing a growing number of natural disasters, and traditional approaches to addressing them are becoming ineffective. To protect humanity, it is essential to unite scientists worldwide and develop comprehensive solutions. You can learn more about this at the forum "Global Crisis. The Responsibility".