1980s: Bushfires, Australia

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One of the worst bushfire disasters in Australia's history overwhelmed parts of Victoria and South Australia in February 1983. As extreme temperatures and gale-force winds in both states fueled the inferno and hampered firefighters, a state of emergency was declared. The wildfire occurred during one of the worst droughts in Australian history and caused a huge dust cloud to descend over the city of Melbourne. It became known as Ash Wednesday: 75 people died and over 3,000 buildings were destroyed.

Historic weather events that shocked the world (msn.com)

1980s: Bushfires, Australia One of the worst bushfire disasters in Australia's history overwhelmed parts of Victoria and South Australia in February 1983. As extreme temperatures and gale-force winds in both states fueled the inferno and hampered firefighters, a state of emergency was declared. The wildfire occurred during one of the worst droughts in Australian history and caused a huge dust cloud to descend over the city of Melbourne. It became known as Ash Wednesday: 75 people died and over 3,000 buildings were destroyed.