1 dead, 300 buildings destroyed in Australia bushfires

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - One person has died and about 300 buildings have been destroyed in bushfires sweeping through southeastern Australia, local media reported on Sunday.

A total fire ban is in place across northeastern and north-central Victoria, while deteriorating air quality is expected from Monday as more than 20 bushfires continue to burn, including two at emergency level, according to public broadcaster ABC.

The fire near Walwa in Victoria’s northeast, close to the New South Wales border, remains under an emergency warning.

Another emergency alert, advising residents to take shelter immediately, was issued for Irrewillipe in the state’s southwest, where an Otways fire is spreading from Carlisle River toward Bungador.

Victoria Police said late Sunday that a person had been found dead in an area affected by the Longwood fire near the central Victorian town of Gobur.

The body was located about 100 meters (about 328 feet) from a vehicle after emergency crews accessed the area earlier in the day.

In a statement, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said her thoughts were with the victim’s family and loved ones.

"This loss ... marks the first known fire-related fatality during what has already been an incredibly challenging period for our state,"she said.

Authorities have not formally identified the person, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

By Sunday evening, bushfires had burned close to 390,000 hectares (about 964 acres) across Victoria.