Bushfires crisis: Before and after aerial photos reveal devastation

These are the staggering aerial images that show just how dramatically the Australian landscape has changed due to the nation’s ongoing bushfire crisis. VIEW THE SLIDERS

• Before and after: Towns destroyed by bushfires
• Stars line up for Fire Fight Australia concert

These are the staggering images captured by aerial that reveal the true devastation of Australia’s ongoing bushfires crisis.

Harrowing before and after photographs, captured by the aerial image technology firm Nearmap, shows just how dramatically the landscape has changed in bushfire-affected regions in NSW and South Australia.

Australia’s unique flora and fauna has taken a catastrophic hit, with an estimated one billion animals killed, and countless trees and shrubs burned away.

Environment Minister Sussan Ley has warned that in some areas, koalas may have to be reclassified as endangered.

The government has earmarked an initial $50 million to spend on helping with the wildlife recovery.

From smoke-damaged vineyards in the Adelaide Hills to the charred landscape of Coffs Harbour, the images show the extent of the damage caused the bushfires that have destroyed thousand of homes, decimated wildlife and ruined countless lives.

For more information, visit the Nearmap website

Originally published as Bushfires crisis: Before and after aerial photos reveal devastation