Drought respite: The rain joins efforts to control Australia's fires

Heavy rainfalls in the east and south of the country have surpassed those observed in the area over the past decade. In New South Wales, which was severely damaged by the raging fire, fires were reduced due to weather conditions. However, authorities have warned that the situation could deteriorate again

Drought respite: The rain joins efforts to control Australia's fires

Rain and thunderstorms were raining on Saturday in eastern Australia, where woodland fires covered extensive areas. Despite the drought, there are fears of flooding across the region. At the same time, the huge fires continue along areas
In the south-east of the country have not yet rained, including forests that constitute a wildlife home on Kangaroo Island.

The New South Wales state fire department, which has been most severely affected by the disaster, said 75 fires are still raging today - a drop from the 100 hot spots registered a few days ago. "Rain continues to fall as the number of fires goes down," local firefighters said. They added that the "good conditions" of the rain and the low temperatures are helping to curb the remaining fires.

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Flooding alongside scorched trees in eastern Australia (Photo: Reuters)

Flooding in East Australia, January 17, 2020 (Photo: Reuters)

In Northern Australia, Queensland hit storms during the night leading to flooding and traffic disruptions. However, no injuries were reported. In southern New South Wales and neighboring Victoria, some of the flames are out of control, but forecasters expect significant amounts of rain over the next two days that may help control the fires. The states have been hit by the longest drought period in Australian history and some areas predicted rain and yesterday the rainfall of the last decade.

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Quantities not seen in the last decade. Rain in Eastern Australia (Photo: Reuters)

Rain in Eastern Australia, January 17, 2020 (Photo: Reuters)

The unprecedented fire, which erupted following climate change and long-term drought, has taken the lives of 28 people over the past five months. The flames burned vast areas of forests and vegetation in the east and south of the state and destroyed more than 2,000 homes.

In "Kangaroo Island," popularly known as "Galapagos of Australia" due to the large presence of rare animals, fires continue to rage. Following the blaze, the lives of koalas, birds and other animal species living on the site were wiped out.

While the summer season in the country is not yet nearing an end, authorities have warned that the crisis could worsen again.