Warnings for increased risk of natural disasters

Australia is facing an extreme heat wave, and authorities have issued warnings for an increased risk of vegetation fires in several regions, including the state of Western Australia. Meteorologists have issued heatwave alerts for Western Australia, the Northern Territory and eastern Queensland, with temperatures expected to reach around 45 degrees Celsius.

In Western Australia's capital, Perth, a high of 35 degrees Celsius is forecast for Sunday, five degrees above the average for December. These extreme weather conditions increase the risk of vegetation fires in the region. More than 20 fires are already burning in Western Australia and the emergency services agency has issued warnings of increased fire danger in many areas of the state, Digi24 reports.

The El Niño weather phenomenon is affecting the country, causing high temperatures, drought and vegetation fires. In eastern Australia, the phenomenon has already caused heatwaves and fires this month.

Meanwhile, Australia's east coast is experiencing heavy rainfall, and forecasters have issued flood and severe thunderstorm warnings for parts of New South Wales, the country's most populous state with its capital in Sydney. The extreme weather conditions are testing the capabilities of response agencies and raising concerns about the impact on local communities.