Reinforcements called as ‘dynamic’ fire threatens homes
Almost 300 firefighters are battling a blaze that is threatening to break containment lines after reinforcement arrived from interstate.
Disaster and Accident
Three dead after light plane crashes into ocean
The bodies of three men aboard a light plane when it crashed near a popular fishing area have been recovered by police.
Cooling greenery overlooked lever to blunt heatwaves
Australia's southern states are facing unprecedented heat that researchers say could be tempered with a focus on revegetation and urban greening.
Killer locked up for life over murder of wife in fire
An abusive man who set fire to his wife and stepchild has been jailed for life with 32 years to serve before he will become eligible for parole.
Wrecked cars choppered out of surf as fire threat grows
More than a dozen vehicles have been choppered out of the surf following flash floods as bushfires place state emergency services under further strain.
Residents brace for heavy rain as Luana heads inland
Residents of Western Australia's north coast are bracing for heavy rain as Cyclone Luana tracks inland, despite the storm running out of steam.
Blister in the sun: Australians wilt in summer heatwave
Australians are being warned about the dangers of heat stress as southern states swelter and one city smashes its Australia Day heat record.
Aussie towns among world’s hottest in ‘unheard of’ heat
Multiple temperature records have been broken in sweltering conditions across several states, with some Australian towns recording their hottest day ever.
How swimmers can stay safe from surging shark attacks
Swimmers are being encouraged to stay 'shark smart' after four recent attacks, as attention turns to safety measures designed to control the apex predators.
‘Changed forever’: disaster zones face long recovery
With hundreds of structures destroyed and livestock lost in fires and floods, large parts of rural Australia will never be the same amid ongoing disasters.
Bushfires spark inquiry call as funding debate rages
Underfunding has been blamed for the scale of losses from ferocious bushfires but state authorities insist conditions made containment impossible.
Emergency crews battle fire and flood across one state
Little relief is expected from rain at key firegounds in one state, where communities are also assessing the damage after a record deluge burst river banks.
Woman dies as wild weather lashes east coast
A woman has died when a branch fell on her car as dangerous thunderstorms lash parts of Australia's east coast, prompting hundreds of calls for help.
Clean-up begins as deadly, damaging storms move on
Residents are returning to their homes after rapidly rising floodwaters and storms pummelled Australia's east coast, prompting thousands of emergency incidents.
More saved than lost after firefighters battle blaze
Firefighters have been lauded after they helped wrangle a bushfire that tore through hundreds of hectares and destroyed three structures.
Beaches closed after third shark attack in two days
Authorities have closed multiple Sydney beaches as a man fights for his life following the third shark attack in just two days.
Potential drugs claim delays helicopter collision probe
A second round of coronial hearings into one of Australia's worst air disasters has been delayed for more than five months after a new witness came forward.
Bushfire menace mounts as thousands brace for disaster
Residents are being urged to flee their homes ahead of a catastrophic fire day expected to bring "unsurvivable" conditions not seen in six years.
Three people missing, homes razed as more fires ignite
Catastrophic bushfire conditions are worsening with fears damaging winds and lightning strikes will add to the dozens of destructive blazes raging in one state.
Hellish bushfire crisis claims homes and livelihoods
Dozens of properties have been destroyed at multiple fire scenes as fire-fighters described confronting scenes of danger and destruction.
Premier hoses down fire funds row, as victim identified
Questions about a state's emergency services preparedness have been slapped down by a premier, as the identity of the first victim of ongoing fires is revealed.
Nursing home exodus ‘last resort’ as fire cause probed
A truck trailer sparking along a major road is being probed as the possible cause of a devastating bushfire as cash is set aside to facilitate the clean up.
Summer heat and heavy rain to impact drowning risks
Australians have been warned to stay vigilant as the summer heat drives thousands of swimmers back into the nation's waterways.
Grim start to year with three dead on nation’s beaches
A number of beachgoers dead or missing mark an "absolutely horrendous" start to the year, according to lifesavers who urge people to avoid the water.
Australia makes list of 2025’s costliest climate events
From catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles to devastating floods in Asia, it's been a tough year of climate extremes and their economic burdens.
Officer hailed after braving croc-infested floodwaters
A police officer's courage has been hailed after a man drowned in his vehicle in a swollen river, with severe weather hammering opposite sides of the nation.
Snow and a heatwave as four seasons greet Christmas Day
Two capital cities can expect ideal weather for Christmas Day, while the rest must contend with conditions ranging from snow to a dangerous heatwave.
Premier red-faced as husband busted drink-driving
An emotional state premier has declared she's "deeply shocked, disappointed and embarrassed" after her husband was busted drink-driving.
Drivers told to paws and think of road risk to koalas
Wildlife volunteers remind drivers to keep their eyes peeled for koalas as summer road trips begin, with a spike in the number of car strikes in one region.
Unwanted gift: Christmas caution over e-bike insurance
Authorities urge prospective e-bike buyers this Christmas to use reputable suppliers and avoid illegal or modified devices that could void insurance cover.
Residents brace for high heat and extreme fire threat
Residents in a state capital face total fire bans and extreme conditions after blazes threatened outer suburban homes with scorching temperatures ahead.