Prime Minister Scott Morrison Tackles Wildfire Fury in New South Wales
In a tense moment, Prime Minister Scott Morrison faced a storm of fury from locals during a visit to a wildfire‑hit region on Jan 2. Residents in Cobargo and Quaama expressed anger, shouting insults, making obscene gestures, and calling him an “idiot.” One firefighter even refused to shake his hand.
Community Outrage Highlights Disparity in Response
- A resident in Cobargo lamented that “every time this area has a flood or a fire, we get nothing,” contrasting their experience with the rapid donations that flood smaller cities like Sydney.
- Critics pointed to inadequate equipment and support for fighting the blazes.
- The incident came amid reports that 381 homes were destroyed on the NSW southern coast this week, with at least eight fatalities across NSW and neighboring Victoria.
Morrison’s Response
“I’m not surprised people are feeling very raw at the moment. That’s why I came today, to be here, to see it for myself, to offer what comfort I can.”
“There are still dangerous days ahead, and we understand that. We’re going to do everything we can to ensure they have every support they’ll need.”
The Premier also challenged critics of his climate change stance, insisting that Australia is “meeting the challenge better than most countries” and “exceeding the targets we set out.”
Weather, Evacuations, and Scale of the Crisis
- Cooler weather since Tuesday has helped firefighting efforts, and supplies have been replenished. Long lines of cars rushed gas stations and supermarkets.
- High temperatures and strong winds are expected to return on Saturday.
- Tourists were ordered to leave a 250 km zone in NSW; the Transport Minister called it the “largest mass relocation of people out of the region we’ve ever seen.”
- The state of emergency was declared for seven days, granting fire officials more authority. This is the third emergency declared in NSW in the past two months.
Broader Impact
With over 200 fires raging across Australia’s most populous states, the wildfire season is now deemed the worst on record. Roughly five million hectares of land have burned, at least 17 people have died, and more than 1,400 homes have been destroyed.
In Victoria, the army assisted thousands who fled to the coast in the burning town of Mallacoota, delivering food, water, fuel, and medical aid. The Navy evacuated about 500 residents from the shore, with the Premier noting that 3,000 tourists and 1,000 locals were potentially on board.
Air Quality Alert
Smoke from the fires rendered Canberra’s air quality the worst in the world as of Thursday.
