The death toll from Victoria's devastating bushfires has far surpassed that of Ash Wednesday, rising to 50, as fires continue to rage out of control in the state’s northeast.

Victoria Police have now confirmed that five people have died at Flowerdale, two people at Hazeldene and three at Taggerty, while 12 were confirmed dead at Kinglake and four people have died at St Andrews, Wandong and Callignee. Police also fear more fatalities may be discovered around the towns of Kinglake and Marysville, which has been virtually destroyed by bushfires. Eight people remain in hospital with life-threatening injuries, one person having recently succumbed during treatment.

The figure surpasses the 47 Victorians that died in the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires and authorities have grave fears that this number will rise as the fires continue to burn, fuelled by extremely strong winds. Police also anticipate the death toll will rise through the day as they investigate vehicles abandoned in the inferno and a number of burning homes the police have as yet been unable to reach in which they fear the residents may have perished.
At least 160 homes have already been destroyed as the fires span an area of 200,000 hectares of now burnt land. The damage is a result of more than 400 fires burning in every part of the state over the weekend.
In the country town of Beechworth, residents have been told to either evacuate early or stay and activate their emergency fire plan as the wind has shifted and strengthened in that area.
In terms of recuperation for already affected areas, work is slowly getting underway in treacherous conditions to restore power to about 14,000 properties in fire-ravaged areas of northeastern and eastern Victoria, the national electricity company says.  

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has announced a $10 million emergency relief fund for families affected by the fire and the army has been mobilised to help control fires. There has already been a number of appeals created in order to raise monetary aid, with Tuesday’s ODI Cricket match in Sydney also dedicated to the cause. The Commonwealth Bank has already pledged $1 million towards these efforts.

“This is an appalling tragedy for Victoria but because of that it's an appalling tragedy for the nation.” Mr Rudd told reporters earlier today.

“Australia the country stands behind Victoria at this awful time.

“This loss of life, the numbers of injured, the horrific injuries, our thoughts and our prayers go out to each and every one of them as they now try and deal with this tragedy and recover from the damage which has occurred.”

Victoria Police Deputy Chief Commissioner Kieran Walshe has said that some of the fires are believed to have been deliberately lit and others re-lit after being extinguished, but would not say which ones.

A police spokeswoman said anyone found to have lit the fires would likely be charged with murder or manslaughter.

Tags: Bushfires, victoria