MOSCOW, February 17 (RIA Novosti) - The death toll in southern Australia`s recent bushfires has reached 200, Australia`s ABC television company reported on Tuesday, citing local police.
According to Australian press reports, the total number of deaths could reach 300. Police have said that they are having difficulty identifying some of the bodies because many have been burned beyond recognition.
The fires also led to the destruction of some 1,800 homes, displacing around 7,500 people.
Authorities in the state of Victoria have launched a large-scale operation to find the arsonists suspected of being behind the bushfires. Two people have so far been detained on suspicion of arson. If convicted of arson causing the death of people, according to Victoria state law, the suspects could face up to 25 years behind bars.
Australian authorities have announced that Sunday is to be a national day of mourning for the victims of the bushfires.
Bushfires killed 75 people and destroyed some 3,000 houses in the states of Victoria and South Australia in 1983.
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