One dead as Victoria battles 27 bushfires after nearly 400,000 hectares burn
A body was discovered on a forested stretch of road 15 minutes from Yarck. It is believed the person ran off the road and perished beside about 100 meters from the car. Credit: Jason South
The Bureau of Meteorology on Sunday cancelled heatwave warnings across the state after days of 40-plus-degree heat, but in two major fire zones, temperatures are still due to reach the low to mid-30s on Monday – 35 degrees in Walwa near the NSW border, and 32 degrees in Longwood.
Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, the South West and Wimmera continue to experience poor air quality, while it is very poor in the Mallee, Northern Country, North East, and West and South Gippsland.
A total fire ban remains in place for the North East and North Central districts today. There is a high fire danger rating in the Mallee, Wimmera, North Central, North East and South West districts.
Current warnings are in place for residents around the Walwa fire, with those in Bungil, Burrowye and Granya urged to leave immediately. Authorities warn it’s now too late to leave for residents in Berringama, Bullioh, Koetong, Lucyvale, Shelley, Tallangatta Valley and surrounds. They have been urged to take shelter.
Firefighters at the edge of the Otways bushfire. Credit: Belmont Fire Brigade
Residents in Bethanga, Georges Creek, Jarvis Creek, Noorongong, Old Tallangatta, Tallangatta and surrounds have been told to monitor conditions and be ready to act if the situation worsens.
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A fire in the Otways, near Colac, is threatening lives in the Carlisle River area. Residents in Irrewillipe told to take urgent shelter. Those in surrounding areas are warned to monitor changing conditions.
Over the weekend, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Jacinta Allan announced an additional $19.5 million in funding for fire-affected communities, on top of the personal hardship grants announced on Friday.
About half of the extra funding will help distribute hay to farmers in need, while the rest will go to initiatives like emergency accommodation and mental health support.
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