Locals struck by the devastating blazes were finally able to collect supplies on Monday as the weather began to turn. But in a cruel blow to residents across New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, experts warned the deterioration in weather conditions could lead to the fires merging. Fox News reports that thousands of firefighters are continuing their battle against the fire.
So far, millions of acres of bushland has been destroyed.
Experts say the size of the area is twice that of Maryland.
At least 25 people have been killed, as well as 2,000 homes destroyed.
Millions of animals are also thought to have died.
The authorities are concerned about the prospect of the “mega blaze” destroying even more land.
Emergency Management Victoria’s David Bruce said: “These blazes certainly are concerning.
“Like New South Wales, we’ve had a bit of a reprieve, but the fires are still very active so we’ll be doing everything we can to consolidate ahead of Thursday.”
Shane Fitzsimmons, commissioner of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, added: “With the more benign weather conditions, it presents some wonderful relief for everybody: the firefighters, the emergency services personnel, but also the communities affected by these fires.
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In an article for the Conversation, Prof Nicholls wrote: “The flood risk is exacerbated by the bare soil and lack of vegetation caused by drought, and by bushfires that destroy forest and grassland.
“Further south, drought-breaking rains can also be heavy and widespread, leading to increased flood risk.
“So even when the drought breaks and rains quell the fires, there will likely still be bouts of extreme weather, and high demand for emergency services.”
At the weekend, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison warned the crisis might go on for months.