Large areas of the Australian state of Victoria, including parts of Melbourne, have suffered power cuts after bush fires affected key supply lines.
Large areas of the Australian state of Victoria, including parts of Melbourne, have suffered power cuts after bush fires affected key supply lines.
In Melbourne, trains, trams and traffic lights were affected, with commuters being warned to expect serious delays.
In Melbourne, trains, trams and traffic lights were affected, with commuters being warned to expect serious delays.
It is not clear when power supplies will be restored.
It is not clear when power supplies will be restored.
Local media said a bush fire near Benalla, in the north-east of the state, had knocked out power lines linking Victoria to the national grid.
Local media said a bush fire near Benalla, in the north-east of the state, had knocked out power lines linking Victoria to the national grid.
This happened as the electricity network was coming under strain from massive demand caused in part by the sweltering temperatures of 39C (102F).
This happened as the electricity network was coming under strain from massive demand caused in part by the sweltering temperatures of 39C (102F).
The heat also disrupted play at the Australian Open tennis competition, which is being played in Melbourne, though organisers said the venue still had power.
"There are power outages across Victoria from the border with New South Wales state to Melbourne," a Victoria police spokesman told Reuters news agency.
"There are power outages across Victoria from the border with New South Wales state to Melbourne," a Victoria police spokesman told Reuters news agency.
"The cause is bushfires and heavy demand. It's a stinking hot day and the demand is overloading transformers."
"The cause is bushfires and heavy demand. It's a stinking hot day and the demand is overloading transformers."
Hospitals, offices and shops as well as transport and traffic lights were affected.
Hospitals, offices and shops as well as transport and traffic lights were affected.
Police were reported to be directing rush-hour traffic in Melbourne, the country's second city.
Police were reported to be directing rush-hour traffic in Melbourne, the country's second city.
Bushfires are common in Australia's summer, but officials say the situation is even worse than normal this year, because of a long-standing drought.
Bushfires are common in Australia's summer, but officials say the situation is even worse than normal this year, because of a long-standing drought.
Many fires are caused by lightning, while others are started deliberately. Have you been affected by the bush fires? You can send us your experiences using the form below:
Many fires are caused by lightning, while others are started deliberately. Have you been affected by the bush fires? You can send us your experiences using the form below:
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You can also send pictures and video to: yourpics@bbc.co.uk or to send via MMS please dial +44 (0)7725 100 100.
Do not endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.
Do not endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.
