Australian PM visits wildfire-hit regions in Tasmania

PanARMENIAN.Net - Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard is visiting wildfire-hit regions in Tasmania, amid warnings of more searing weather across the country, BBC News reported.

No deaths have been reported in the fires, which broke out on Thursday, Jan 3 on the island's south coast.

But more than 100 buildings have been destroyed and communities in some areas remain cut off.

Speaking in the state capital, Hobart, Ms Gillard said assistance would be provided for those in need.

"I've come to Tasmania today for one purpose, and that's to say to the people of Tasmania that the nation is standing with them at this very, very difficult time," she said.

Emergency payments would be provided to give people immediate help and damage would be assessed to enable communities to be rebuilt.

Fires were still being fought, she emphasized, calling for residents in Tasmania and also in New South Wales, where very high temperatures are expected, to stay alert.