Irish citizens in Australia have been advised to keep informed of the latest evacuation orders and developments, as devastating bushfires continue to burn.
Hundreds of people have been rescued from beaches and tens of thousands have been told to evacuate, with more hot weather and strong winds set to worsen the situation.
With over 200 fires already burning, and more predicted, the country's navy launched one of the largest evacuations in Australia's history.
Thousands have already fled at-risk coastal areas, creating traffic gridlock in places, and firefighters escorted convoys of evacuees as fires threatened to close roads.
The Embassy advises all Irish citizens to keep informed of the latest evacuation orders and developments in Victoria @vicemergency https://t.co/EgOelH0oAf
— IrlEmbassyAustralia (@irlembaustralia) January 3, 2020
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrew declared a disaster across much of the eastern part of the state, allowing the government to order evacuations in an area with as many as 140,000 permanent residents and tens of thousands more tourists.
"If you can leave, you must leave," he said.
Around five million hectares (12.35 million acres) of land have burned, at least 19 people have been killed, and more than 1,400 homes have been destroyed.
This week, at least 448 homes have been destroyed on the New South Wales southern coast and dozens were burned in Victoria.
Multiple #bushfires south of Harrietville, Alpine Shire, #Victoria as seen today in the latest #Sentinel2 ️ acquisition pic.twitter.com/LbkQtwvAM1
— Copernicus EMS (@CopernicusEMS) January 3, 2020
Ten deaths have been confirmed in the two states this week, and Victoria authorities also say 28 people are missing.
Fires are also burning in Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania.
The navy is evacuating hundreds from the Victorian coastal town of Mallacoota, which has been cut off for days by wildfires, forcing as many as 4,000 residents and tourists to shelter on beaches.
Commander Scott Houlihan said 963 people had signed up for evacuation by sea and more had been airlifted to safety.
The Irish embassy in Canberra has advised all Irish citizens to "keep informed of the latest evacuation orders and developments".
It is also encouraging citizens to register their travel and residence.
"This allows us to contact citizens, ensure they are safe, update them on developments and provide assistance as necessary", it says.
Embassy Canberra encourages Irish citizens to register their travel and residence @dfatravelwise , https://t.co/z5XE4Zbebl or https://t.co/GBL9WtWZAX This allows us to contact citizens, ensure they are safe, update them on developments and provide assistance as necessary @dfatirl
— IrlEmbassyAustralia (@irlembaustralia) January 3, 2020
Additional reporting: IRN
