An evacuation order has been issued in Victoria, Australia, as wildfires are raging out of control.
Victorian Premier Jacinda Allen declared a state of disaster this morning, saying it was "in the name of saving Victorian lives." She also advised people in about 19 locations to evacuate if they were ordered to do so.
Emergency services say at least 130 homes have been destroyed in bushfires across Victoria, and the figure is expected to rise.
The Ravenswood fire has been the worst-hit by the fires, with at least 50 homes destroyed. At least 30 homes have been confirmed destroyed in the Longwood fire in central Victoria. An aerial assessment is being carried out today.
People are being warned not to return to burned areas until they are told to do so by authorities. More than 22,000 people across Victoria are now without power.
Australians in Victoria have been warned to prepare for "property loss or worse" as much of the country battles severe heatwave conditions.
Temperatures on Friday and Saturday are forecast to reach record highs in most states and territories, with Victoria and South Australia in particular bracing for dangerous fire conditions due to strong winds and hot temperatures.
A total fire ban is in place in Victoria, with all areas across the state given a "catastrophic" or "extreme" fire risk rating.
"Victorians should prepare for further property loss or worse," Country Fire Authority (CFA) chief officer Jason Heffernan said on Friday.
Meanwhile, Sydney is experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees and several new bushfires.
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