Thousands urged to evacuate as wildfire rages near Ballarat, Victoria

Thousands urged to evacuate as wildfire rages near Ballarat, Victoria

An emergency warning has been issued for 28 communities west of Ballarat, Victoria, as residents are urged to evacuate due to an out-of-control bushfire. The fire, which ignited along Bayindeen-Rocky Road, is being fought by 1 000 firefighters with support from 24 aircraft and 100 vehicles.

Massive power outages hit Victoria during violent thunderstorms, Australia

Massive power outages hit Victoria during violent thunderstorms, Australia

Violent thunderstorms struck Australia’s east coast on February 13, 2024, leading to significant damage and disruptions. The storms caused the shutdown of AGL’s Loy Yang A power station in Victoria, leaving approximately 590 000 homes and businesses without electricity. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) was forced to cap electricity prices at A$16,600 per megawatt hour, a significant increase from the usual A$200. Efforts to restore power are ongoing, with some customers already reconnected.

Rare M5.9 earthquake hits near Melbourne, Australia

Rare M5.9 earthquake hits near Melbourne, Australia

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by Geoscience Australia as M5.9 hit near Melbourne, Australia at 23:15 UTC on September 21, 2021 (09:15 LT, September 22) at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). The USGS is reporting M5.9 at a depth of 10 km, EMSC M5.9 at a depth…

Cold snap brings unseasonal snow to parts of southeast Australia

Cold snap brings unseasonal snow to parts of southeast Australia

Unseasonal snow has fallen in Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania on December 7, 2020, as the Australian states are gripped by a cold snap after half of the continent sweltered through a record heatwave. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, (BOM), the snow…