The Saudi embassy in Australia warns citizens after a state of disaster is declared
The Saudi Embassy in Australia issued an urgent warning to Saudi citizens in Australia, specifically in the state of Victoria, urging them to exercise caution and fully comply with the instructions of the local authorities, following the official declaration of a “state of disaster” by the Australian authorities in the southeast of the country as a result of the out-of-control bushfires.
The embassy confirmed via its official Twitter account that it is continuously monitoring the situation and stressed the importance of following updates from the local emergency website. To ensure the safety of citizens, the embassy published dedicated emergency contact numbers, which operate around the clock to provide necessary assistance.
Emergency contact numbers for the embassy:
- Embassy emergency number: +61432257277
- Unified number for Saudis abroad: +966920011114
Declaration of a state of disaster and details of the field situation
The embassy's warning coincided with Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen's declaration of a "state of disaster" in the affected areas, an exceptional legal measure that grants authorities and firefighters broad powers, including the ability to carry out forced evacuations of fire-threatened areas to ensure the safety of lives. Allen stated unequivocally, "This sends a clear message: if you are told to leave, leave immediately," emphasizing that protecting the lives of Victorians is the top priority.
On the ground, Victoria's Emergency Management Director, Tim Wibush, revealed the initial extent of the damage, stating that at least 130 structures, including homes, cottages, and other buildings, had been destroyed by the fires. He explained that firefighters were still battling 10 large blazes, warning that some of these fires could continue to burn for days or even weeks due to the difficult terrain and weather conditions.
The specter of "Black Summer" returns once again
These fires are particularly dangerous as they bring back memories of the 2019-2020 fire season, known in the media as the "Black Summer," which was one of the worst natural disasters in modern Australian history. During that period, fires consumed millions of hectares, causing immense environmental damage, the deaths of millions of animals, and the destruction of thousands of homes.
Victoria is currently experiencing weather conditions similar to those preceding the Black Summer, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, accompanied by hot, dry winds. This creates ideal conditions for wildfires to spread rapidly and become difficult to control using traditional methods. This escalation comes at a time when climate experts are warning that extreme heatwaves are becoming more frequent in Australia, necessitating a swift and decisive response from both residents and authorities.
