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Australia counts heatwave deaths Australia counts heatwave deaths
(39 minutes later)
The Australian authorities fear about 20 people have died as a result of one of the worst heatwaves in 100 years to hit the south-east of the country.The Australian authorities fear about 20 people have died as a result of one of the worst heatwaves in 100 years to hit the south-east of the country.
Most of them were elderly people who had been struggling in the heat.Most of them were elderly people who had been struggling in the heat.
The heatwave has also caused power outages in Melbourne, Australia's second biggest city.The heatwave has also caused power outages in Melbourne, Australia's second biggest city.
Extreme temperatures of more than 40C (104F) have hit the south-eastern states of Victoria and South Australia in the past three days. The temperature has eased to 31C (88F) after reaching highs of more than 40C in recent days in south-eastern states of Victoria and South Australia.
If the high temperatures continue into Sunday, it will equal the worst heatwave that south-eastern Australia has witnessed in 100 years. The extreme heat of the past three days has caused disruption, destruction and death.
Already, it has caused disruption, destruction and death. In Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, health officials reported more than 20 sudden deaths, most of them elderly people overcome by the baking temperatures, who had suffered strokes and heart attacks.
In Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, health officials reported more than 20 sudden deaths, most of them elderly people overcome by the baking temperatures of over 40C who had suffered strokes and heart attacks.
Raging wildfires have ripped through the Gippsland region of neighbouring Victoria, and at least 10 homes have been destroyed near the rural town of Boolarra.Raging wildfires have ripped through the Gippsland region of neighbouring Victoria, and at least 10 homes have been destroyed near the rural town of Boolarra.
In Melbourne, the state capital, the heatwave has meant disruption to transportation services and power outages.In Melbourne, the state capital, the heatwave has meant disruption to transportation services and power outages.
Trains have been cancelled because the rail lines have buckled in the heat.Trains have been cancelled because the rail lines have buckled in the heat.
An explosion at an electrical substation left over 300,000 homes without power.An explosion at an electrical substation left over 300,000 homes without power.
Some traffic lights in the city have stopped working, so too the signals in parts of the rail network.Some traffic lights in the city have stopped working, so too the signals in parts of the rail network.
Are you affected by the heatwave? Send us your comments using the form below:Are you affected by the heatwave? Send us your comments using the form below:
Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to +44 7725 100 100 or you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to +44 7725 100 100 or you have a large file you can upload here.
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