Victoria

South-east Australia is reeling after bushfires tore through dozens of communities, leaving one person dead and nearly 300 homes and buildings destroyed. The blazes, concentrated mainly in Victoria but spreading into New South Wales, have consumed land almost twice the size of Greater London.

Authorities declared a state of emergency in Victoria as thousands of firefighters battled the flames, supported by more than 70 aircraft. Residents in over a dozen towns have been urged to evacuate, as extreme heat, strong winds, and dry conditions threaten to keep the fires burning for weeks.

Victoria’s Premier, Jacinta Allan, said 30 active fires …