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28 people confirmed missing in Vic bushfire crisis, State of Disaster declared

Victoria is facing a perilous 24 hours, with weather conditions predicted to worsen in fire-affected areas. Fears are growing for the 28 people still missing, with another two already confirmed dead. 

Staff writers
less than 2 min read
January 3, 2020 - 4:53PM
28 people missing in Victoria's bushfires

The Premier has confirmed that the number of people unaccounted for in Victoria’s bushfire-affected areas has risen to 28.

LATEST BUSHFIRE UPDATES

Residents and holiday-makers in the far east of the state are set to endure another tough day of conditions, as the mercury is forecast to reach as high as 44C in some parts of Victoria.

Strong winds are also expected, which could merge out-of-control bushfires and threaten more lives and properties. 

More than 50 blazes remain out-of-control as of Friday night.

It comes after two people were confirmed dead, and Premier Daniel Andrews declared a State of Disaster.

28 people remain unaccounted for, as fears for their safety grows.

“We have grave fears for the safety and wellbeing for those 28 who cannot be located,” Mr Andrews said.

“Some of those who were part of the original 17 were located yesterday.”

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Updates

People in the Dinner Plain, Falls Creek and Hotham Heights area have been told to leave immediately.

The State Control Centre said fire conditions in that region on Saturday were predicted to be so extreme it "may not be survivable". 

The warning is current to 10am Saturday and evacuation after this time was considered life threatening.

"After 10 am 4th January 2020  it may be too late to leave," the warning said. 

For the latest up to date information head to: https://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/

Read more: Tears for third-generation timber worker killed in fires

– Josh Fagan

Evacuation order for Falls Creek and surrounds

People in the Dinner Plain, Falls Creek and Hotham Heights area have been told to leave immediately.

The State Control Centre said fire conditions in that region on Saturday were predicted to be so extreme it "may not be survivable". 

The warning is current to 10am Saturday and evacuation after this time was considered life threatening.

"After 10 am 4th January 2020  it may be too late to leave," the warning said. 

For the latest up to date information head to: https://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/

Read more: Tears for third-generation timber worker killed in fires

– Josh Fagan

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/alpine-region-residents-urged-to-evacuate-state-of-disaster-declared/live-coverage/bcb6b608ce3bfa71d81183c1623ee545