Thunderstorms and heavy rain sweep across parts of Australia’s east coast, bringing hope that some of the fierce bushfires razing the country will be extinguished - or at least slowed by LidKelly
MELBOURNE - Australia’s peak tourism body estimated the country’s bushfire crisis has so far cost the industry almost A$1 billion and called for urgent help from the government to lure back visitors.
The fires, which have killed 29 people and razed bushland across an area the size of Bulgaria, have hit several coastal towns at the height of the profitable summer season. Images of burnt-out towns, people huddled on beaches to escape huge flames, dead wildlife and thick smoke hanging over major cities have been beamed around the world.
Tourism accounts for more than 3% of Australia’s A$1.95 trillion economy, with 9 million foreigners visiting the country annually and domestic tourism growing. Prime Minister Scott Morrison earlier this week welcomed a U.S. move to downgrade a travel warning and has stressed that Australia is open for business.
** The rain has brought relief for a number of firefighters working across New South Wales state. “Although this rain won’t extinguish all fires, it will certainly go a long way toward containment,” state fire services said.
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