Australia: Over 70 buildings destroyed in Tathra (NSW) as of March 19 /update 1

Event

A bushfire has destroyed over 70 homes and buildings in Tathra (New South Wales [NSW]) as of Monday, March 19. The fire reportedly passed through the town late on the night of Sunday, March 18 (local time); some 700 local residents were evacuated to an adjacent town, and no associated casualties had been reported from the fire. The bushfire in Tathra comes amid a simultaneous outbreak of bushfires elsewhere in NSW and Victoria states amid a period of extreme high temperatures.

At least five wildfires in NSW have not yet been contained, according to media reports on Monday citing NSW Rural Fire Service officials. Though weather conditions are expected to improve in the coming days with lower temperatures forecast, further associated damages are expected in NSW and Victoria in the coming days as existing fires continue to burn.

Context

Bushfires have become relatively common this season following a dry winter and high temperatures.

Advice

Individuals in the area are advised to keep abreast of the situation and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.

Individuals in vulnerable areas should prepare a Bushfire Survival Plan and activate the plan when told by the authorities. For further information, please visit the website of the NSW Rural Fire Service.