The country is in the midst of a record-breaking heat wave, with temperatures well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Multiple bush fires were burning in the state of Victoria.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Saturday the nation faced "extreme and dangerous" weather as a bushfire crisis gripped Victoria state, razing homes and burning vast swathes of bushland.

A heatwave is expected to bring sweltering conditions to millions of Australians over the coming week. Maximum temperatures in excess of 40C have been tipped by the Bureau of Meteorology for regions of every mainland state and territory by Thursday.

Australian authorities declare a state of disaster in Victoria as bushfires rage, destroying homes and leaving three people missing. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

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