January 4, 2020

Australia Is Burning Like Never Before. These 9 Photos Show the Horrific Devastation.

It’s only predicted to get worse due to climate change.

Firefighters struggling against the strong wind to secure houses near the town of Nowra in the Australian state of New South Wales on December 31, 2019.Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images

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Australia launched its largest military operation since World War II this weekend, not against a human enemy but to combat the bushfire crisis sweeping the country. Thus far, 23 people have died as 140 blazes have devoured more over 12 million acres.

To combat the fires, which are only expected to get worse as Australia endures high temperatures and windy conditions, the government is mobilizing 3,000 army reservists, aircraft, and naval ships to help evacuations and fight fires, the New York Times reported Saturday. “It is the first time that reserves have been called out in this way in living memory,” Defense Minister Linda Reynolds said. The conflagrations now and in the future are expected to worsen due to climate change.

Here are more images of the relief efforts and devastation in Australia.

Residents look on as flames burn through bush in Lake Tabourie, Australia on January 4, 2020.

Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

 

Kangaroos graze in a field as smoke shrouds the Australian capital of Canberra, Australia on January 1, 2020.

Mark Baker/AP

People in Mallacoota, Victoria are evacuated by army personnel to the HMAS Choules after bushfires ravaged the town on January 3, 2020 in Mallacoota, Victoria, Australia.

Justin McManus/The Age/Fairfax Media via Getty Images

Firefighters struggling against the strong wind to secure houses near the town of Nowra in the Australian state of New South Wales on December 31, 2019.

Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images

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