Australia deploys military aircraft & navy ships to help fire-ravaged communities

Australia has sent military aircraft and ships to relieve towns that have been caught in the violent infernos sweeping the country’s southeast coast. Thousands of people were forced to camp on beaches as they awaited rescue.

Wednesday’s deployment used military helicopters and naval vessels to deliver water, food and fuel to areas that have been completely cut off by the fires in the states of New South Wales and Victoria.

An estimated 4,000 people in the Victorian coastal town of Mallacoota fled to the seashore on Tuesday, after winds pushed wildfires toward their homes.

The Australian Defence Force is sending navy ships to Mallacoota on a supply mission that is expected to last two weeks, Victoria Emergency Commissioner Andrew Crisp told local media. He said firefighters would be flown into the area via helicopter, since the roads are no longer accessible.

The massive bushfires have destroyed more than four million hectares (10 million acres). High winds and extreme heat have sparked new blazes almost daily. The fires have claimed 12 lives since the beginning of October.

Australian government officials have called for assistance from the US and Canada to help contain the fires.

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