Southeast Australia preparing for catastrophic bushfire over Christmas period
SYDNEY, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Millions of residents and visitors in southeast Australia have been warned to brace for catastrophic bushfire conditions over the Christmas period.
Authorities on Monday declared a total fire ban for greater Sydney and northern regions of the state of New South Wales (NSW) due to the threat posed by high temperatures and strong winds.
It comes ahead of a period of forecast extr