Victoria bushfires: Australia enlists international support after bushfires tear through country’s southeast
Australia has appealed for international support after bushfires in the country’s southeast destroyed more than 350,000 hectares.
Anthony Albanese said Canada and the United States have stepped up to support the effort as recent reports reveal more than 300 structures were lost in the fire.
“We have support in times like these and are currently in communication with our friends in Canada and the United States,” the Prime Minister said in his update Sunday.
“We will work with state and territory governments, and we will also work collaboratively.”
He said the National Aerial Firefighting fleet of 160 highly specialized aircraft from across Australia, including water bombers, large air tankers, light aircraft and helicopters, had landed in Victoria to assist with firefighting efforts.
Mr Albanese announced a joint $19.5 million support package with Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan on Sunday for people seeking mental health help and temporary accommodation. The fund includes $10 million to help farmers with emergency feed for livestock.
“My message to Victorians is quite simple: ‘We’ve got your back’ – not just during this crisis, but also throughout the recovery, working in partnership with the Allan Government to ensure we deliver what people and communities need to get back on their feet after a very difficult period,” Mr Albanese said.
“Yesterday the federal government expanded our support for disaster recovery financing arrangements now through 18 local government areas.
“It provides individual one-off relief payments, personal and financial advice, debris removal and support to government agencies and local councils.”
Authorities say hundreds of fires have broken out in Victoria over the past three days, with 32 still active and 10 considered major fires.
There were still 15 emergency warnings and 17 watch and act warnings in place across the state as of Sunday afternoon.
Bushfire Management Chief Fire Officer Victoria Chris Hardman said more than 15,000 responders and at least 70 aircraft were helping fight the fires on Friday.
Ms Allan urged Victorians to follow emergency instructions, stay informed through local media and the VicEmergency app and avoid entering danger zones.
