011520 – Australia’s bushfires
January 15, 2020
The travel advisories from the U.S., Canada, and New Zealand report:
Australia is currently fighting several devastating bushfires that are sweeping through the country. The ‘catastrophic’ alert level, the highest of the Fire Danger Rating system in Australia, has been issued in some areas. As a result, local authorities have issued many evacuation orders and states of emergency. Residents in the affected areas in many states have been issued a ‘leave immediately’ or ‘prepare to leave’ order. These fires have resulted in several casualties. Air quality is affected in various regions throughout the country. This may have an impact on people suffering from respiratory ailments. Severe bushfires are likely to continue to occur throughout Australia during the summer period.
The situation could also significantly disturb the following essential services:
- transportation, including air traffic
- power distribution
- water and food supply
- telecommunication networks
- emergency services
- medical care
The ‘catastrophic’ rating may be applied to other areas during the current fire season. If you are in or near an affected area:
- be prepared to modify your travel arrangements or even evacuate the area on short notice
- comply with any evacuation order
- monitor local media to stay informed on the evolving situation
- contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel plans
- In the event of an emergency, dial triple zero (000).
Details of affected areas, health services, preparedness information, and evacuation centers can be found at the following state or territory authorities’ sites:
Local weather and air quality
Fire services
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
Air quality
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
If traveling to Australia or currently in Australia, monitor the media to keep up to date with local developments and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities, including evacuation orders. Be aware that air quality in some areas is poor due to smoke.
The risk information in this post is retrieved from sources as listed in the post. It provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers. Please note the published date of this post, and go to the direct sources listed in the post for the most up-to-date information. The information in this post may change without prior notice.
