The Rural Fire Service in New South Wales state has told fire-weary residents in the coastal towns of Nowra, Narooma and Batemans Bay south of Sydney that winds were likely to once again drive blazes toward the coast. In neighboring Victoria state, fire-threatened populations were urged to act quickly on evacuation warnings. AdvertisementThe Australian disaster is seen by many as a harbinger for other countries of the future consequences of global warming. “I’d like to ask for you all to pray to the Lord to help the [Australian] people at this difficult moment, with these powerful fires. I’m close to the Australian people,” Francis said at the end of his general audience on Wednesday, drawing applause from congregants.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 09, 2020 05:46 UTC