The Australians are accustomed to fires being reported in many parts of the sprawling country during the summer months. But the current level of fire is enormous, even by Australian standards: the states of Queensland and New South Wales have declared a state of emergency - and it may take months to get the many fires under control.
In Queensland alone, a total of four bushfires burn, which are regarded as emergencies at the highest level of danger. The authorities ordered evacuations in many communities on the East Coast, which is also popular with tourists. The highest warning level of the fire department applies approximately to Noosa North Shore, a beach town about 150 kilometers north of the capital Brisbane.
People were urged to leave the area immediately. According to the authorities, the bushfire blazes less than a kilometer away from a campsite on the coast. The only way out, therefore, over the sea: People should get by ferry to safety while they still can.
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Bushfire in Australia: A country in crisis modeAlso in Queensland a fire-fighting helicopter crashed when used against bush fires in Pechey, as the broadcaster ABC reported. Thus, the pilot survived the crash with minor injuries. Also in Pechey there was a call for immediate eviction.
In total, more than 1.1 million hectares of land have already been affected in eastern Australia. In New South Wales there are about 70 fires, of which 50 could be contained. Since last week, about 300 houses have been damaged or destroyed by fires, even the homes of celebrities: The Hollywood actor Russell Crowe tweeted that the fire had damaged some buildings of his farm near Coffs Harbor.
Video: The worst is yet to come
REUTERS
The Greater Sydney area is also threatened, with fires blazing in several outskirts of the metropolis. On Tuesday, clouds of smoke had enveloped the city. In New South Wales, many schools were closed due to the fires.
In Australia there is still spring, but in Sydney there are sometimes high summer temperatures. It would take months to bring all fires under control, it was said by the fire department - unless soon begin to rain. After that, it does not look like it yet.
In some places, the sun is no longer visible
The EU Earth Observation Program Copernicus warns of a high particulate matter pollution in many regions. Thousands of people are affected. Satellite images show huge clouds of smoke over New South Wales and Queensland. In some places people could no longer see the sun, according to the atmosphere monitoring service.
Scientists assume that the climate crisis is intensifying the problem of bush fires. Under state politicians caused the issue for dispute. Discussions on how far a more active climate policy could benefit were described by Prime Minister Scott Morrison as "unhelpful" on Tuesday. The last thing the population needs in the crisis is the cries of politicians.