• Over 300,000 hectares have been burned in Southeast Australia.
• One person has died, with more than 300 buildings destroyed.
• Emergency services declare total fire bans and a state of emergency in Victoria.
• Air quality significantly affected by bushfire smoke across metropolitan areas.
• Firefighters are battling over 30 active fires in Victoria and New South Wales.

Authorities in Australia have reported that devastating bushfires in the southeast will continue to burn out of control for weeks, having already razed over 300,000 hectares of bushland. The fires have destroyed more than 130 properties, leaving thousands without power. Premier Jacinta Allan stated that there are more than 30 active fires in Victoria, with several close to the New South Wales border burning at emergency levels, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.

In a tragic development, one life has been claimed by the fires, along with the destruction of 300 homes and buildings across the affected regions. A state of emergency has been declared in Victoria as authorities warn that conditions, fueled by hot, dry, and windy weather, are making firefighting efforts particularly challenging. The blazes are considered to be the worst since the catastrophic Black Summer fires of 2019-2020, according to BBC, Channel News Asia, and Reuters.

Emergency workers are facing immense challenges as they fight to control the flames, with Premier Allan noting that "we are not through the worst of this by a long way". One of the hardest-hit areas, near Longwood, has seen considerable loss, including structural damage to vineyards and agricultural land. "My thoughts are with Australians in these regional communities at this very difficult time," stated Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, highlighting the gravity of the situation as reported by BBC and Reuters.