Severe storms lash Australia dousing several bushfires

Saturday, 18 January 2020 12:39

The storms have caused flooding and road closures across areas of the country's east coast that have been ravaged by bushfires.

The start of the Australian Open tennis had been in doubt after smoke from the fires caused some players to suffer breathing problems.

That fear has now gone and the main tournament is due to start as usual on Monday.

Over a hundred fires are still raging despite the downpours.

Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland are having to deal with torrential rain in several areas.

Major highways have been closed and there have been power outages too in Queensland and new South Wales.

More from International

US, Iran conclude high-level talks in Switzerland, mediators say

The first round of talks between high-ranking US and Iranian officials in Switzerland have ended on Monday, mediators said.
Vance hails 'historic' first meeting in US-Iran peace talks in Switzerland

United States Vice President JD Vance hailed a "historic" first meeting that saw "progress" as US-Iran peace talks began at a Swiss mountaintop resort on Sunday.
54 injured, 18 missing after explosion at Qatar LNG site, authorities say

Fifty-four people have been injured, and another 18 were missing after an explosion at Qatar's core LNG processing site of Ras Laffan on Sunday, authorities said.
Israeli fire kills nine people in Gaza

Israeli strikes and gunfire killed at least nine people, including a journalist from Al Jazeera, in the Gaza Strip on Saturday, health officials said.
Europe braces for prolonged heatwave as temperatures approach 40C

A severe heatwave gripped much of Europe on Sunday, with temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), prompting nationwide warnings, transport disruption and signs of strain on wildlife and at tourist hotspots.

The Agenda
10:00am - 1:00pm

Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.
Afternoons with Helen Farmer
1:00pm - 4:00pm

Every weekday afternoon, Helen Farmer will help you to navigate the highs and lows of life in the UAE. Stay up to date with what’s happening and where to go.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to the USA
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to the US to boost economic and technology ties including AI.
New iPhone Launch - Too Soon For Apple?
Apple Inc. shares fell Monday after a closely followed analyst warned that demand for the firm’s new iPhone 16 Pro model has been lower than expected. Is this a sign that the AI software just isn’t ready?
Working From Home or Hardly Working?
Does working from home kill productivity or can it benefit staff by giving them more flexibility and a better work/life balance?

Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE
Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?
Noon's First Female Delivery Driver
Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!