Catastrophe risk modelling firm AIR Worldwide has announced it is continuing to monitor the bushfires razing Australia, and will provide updates as needed.
As of Jan. 05, losses reported from bushfires since Sept. 05 have breached $700 million in claims filed, according to the Insurance Council of Australia.
The fires have burned roughly 10.3 million hectares and destroyed more than 1,500 homes, with New South Wales, Australia’s most populous state, as well as Victoria reporting the most damage. South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia, and Tasmania are also being impacted by the fires.
“Prolonged widespread smoke from the fires has led to hazardous air quality posing health risks, closing schools, and disrupting travel for about a third of Australia’s population,” AIR Worldwide said. “More than 100 roads remain closed across Victoria’s bushfire zones. In addition, more than 400 km of the Eyre Highway between Esperance and Caiguna—the only paved road linking Western and South Australia—is closed and will likely remain so for several more days, as fire warnings remains in place in the surrounding areas.”
The fires, exacerbated by climate change, are projected to continue for many weeks. The fire risk is also expected to worsen, as temperatures of more than 40° Celsius, dry conditions, and strong winds are forecast this week, AIR Worldwide said.
