Australian defence authorities continue to battle bushfires in Australia as new emergency warnings are issued for the coming days.
A video released by the Australian air force shows a dramatic scene as a Royal Air Force pilot tried to land a plane in fire-ravaged Mallacoota, Victoria.
Flight C27J was attempting to reach Mallacoota to provide rescue assistance, but the mission was not completed the first time according to Air Vice Marshal Joe Lervasi, who shared the video on twitter.
In the video, bright orange smog created by the smoke from the bushfires burning below is the only thing visible from the cockpit.
The small town of Mallacoota in the East Gippsland region of Victoria lies approximately 500 kilometers east of Melbourne and is a popular tourist town.
As the bushfires continue to burn in several places across the country, the state of Victoria has extended its declared state of disaster across various regions.
The extension of Victoria's first state of disaster covers East Gippsland, the Alpine region and the state's north east.
Another expected round of bushfire activity is set to be fueled by dry lightning and wind change forecast from Friday.
Conditions are also set to worsen in parts of New South Wales and South Australia from today, Thursday, January 9.
Kangaroo Island
South Australia's Kangaroo Island has also issued an emergency warning telling people to leave if the path is clear, or to identify where to seek shelter from the bushfire.
The wildlife-filled island has already undergone extensive fire damage.
More than 145 @AustralianArmy Reservists and vehicles with supplies are on Kangaroo Island for initial recovery efforts. A Water Treatment Plant has been established and is ready to produce up to 250,000 litres per day. #OpBushfireAssist #AustralianFires pic.twitter.com/uneYHMzLh8
— Department of Defence (@DeptDefence) January 9, 2020
Defence authorities have dropped 650,000 litres of water on the fire ground and more than 200 firefighters are at work on the island. A water treatment plan has been set up on the island capable of producing up to 250,000 litres of water per day.
Travel advice
Tourists due to travel to Australia have been told to seek the most up-to-date information on their planned itinerary before departure.
Tourism Australia has also encouraged travellers not to cancel trips as tourism dollars are needed to help the country recover.
"Most destinations in Australia remain safe and continue to welcome visitors. All international airports in Australia are operating as normal.
"It is more important than ever to support Australian tourism providers, whether in unaffected regions or those that will recover from these bushfires in the months and years to come," said Tourism Australia in a statement.
Earlier this week, Etihad announced it would waive fees for changes on all flights to and from Australia.
