THREE MISSING AS BUSHFIRES RAGE ACROSS AUSTRALIAN STATE OF VICTORIA

SYDNEY, Jan 9 (Bernama-dpa) -- Three people are missing as bushfires rage across the southern Australian state of Victoria, German Press Agency (dpa) reported Friday.

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill said a man, woman and child "are unaccounted for" after a fire destroyed their house in Longwood East on Thursday afternoon.

Emergency Management Victoria said a number of fires across the state remained "incredibly dynamic" and could spread in multiple directions.

"Today's fire danger will be the worst across Victoria since Black Summer in 2019-20. Catastrophic and Extreme Fire conditions have been forecast across the state."

The Black Summer fires killed at least five people and destroyed more than 300 homes in Victoria.

Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan said the fires were uncontrollable, unpredictable, and fast-moving.

"Today's conditions are the worst Victoria has seen in years. There have been multiple homes already lost – and our hearts are with the communities who have been impacted by this loss."

She urged those who had been asked to evacuate to heed warnings.

"For those who believe they can stay and defend – you cannot. These fires are too fast, too intense, and too unpredictable. Staying puts your life – and the lives of others – at risk," she said.

"That means there will come a point when fire trucks cannot get through. When aircraft cannot fly. And when no one can get to you in time – no matter how prepared you think you are."

Australia's Bureau of Meteorology issued a heatwave warning for the state, warning temperatures could reach 45 degrees Celsius in parts of Victoria.

-- BERNAMA-dpa