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08 January 2020, 17:39

Belarusians advised to refrain from visiting several states of Australia due to wildfires

MINSK, 8 January (BelTA) – The Belarusian Embassy in Japan, which is concurrently accredited to Australia, recommends Belarusians against visiting several states of Australia due to bushfires in the country. The relevant recommendations have been posted on the website by the Sport and Tourism Ministry, BelTA has learned.

“No Belarusian citizens have been confirmed affected by the bushfires. In connection with the situation in Australia, the embassy recommends Belarusian citizens to refrain from visiting the Australian states of New South Wales and Victoria,” the statement reads.

Belarusian citizens who are already in the country are advised to follow the local media and official reports of the Australian authorities and closely adhere to their safety guidelines.

Australia has been engulfed in severe wildfires. According to the Belarusian diplomatic mission, the most critical situation is in the states of New South Wales and Victoria (south-eastern part of the country) where popular tourist resorts of the South Coast are located. Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania are also affected by the wildfires. More than 60.000 km2 of land has been burned, while wildfires (now 200+ ongoing) are expanding.

A state of emergency has been declared in New South Wales and a state of disaster - in Victoria. New South Wales issued an order to ban tourists from visiting a 155-mile zone adjacent to the fire-affected areas.

At least 18 people have been confirmed dead, about 30 people are missing, and at least 1,400 homes have been destroyed by fire (at least 900 in New South Wales). The death toll and the extent of the destruction are projected to increase. A number of major cities are at risk, including Sydney and Melbourne, which are shrouded in bushfire smoke, the statement said.

The United States, New Zealand and Canada have sent firefighters to help Australia. A mass evacuation of residents from dangerous areas is being organized, including with the help of the Australian Armed Forces.

Australia's fires have been fueled by extreme heat, prolonged drought and strong winds. The country is in the grip of a heatwave, with record-breaking temperatures over the past several months.

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