While the smoke has begun to clear from the devastating bushfires that have swept across Victoria, the extent of the damage is yet to be fully realised.

However, for those affected, financial relief is on the horizon. The Victorian government has announced emergency relief payments for bushfire victims, a much-needed lifeline for those grappling with the aftermath of this disaster.

Despite a slight easing of fire conditions on Wednesday, February 14, out-of-control fires continue to burn in two national parks, keeping residents on high alert.

The Grampians National Park, a popular tourist destination, has seen a reduction in threat levels, but two watch-and-act warnings remain in place for communities to the park's north and east.

Emergency relief payments will be available to eligible bushfire victims in Victoria. Image source: Shutterstock

Residents of Pomonal, Bellfield, Lake Fyans, Halls Gap, and Dadswells Bridge are advised that leaving now is the safest option, according to the VicEmergency website.

Meanwhile, a new bushfire ignited at the Warby-Ovens National Park near the Victorian Alps in the state's northeast. Authorities initially issued a watch-and-act alert, which was later downgraded, advising people to stay informed.

The small community of Pomonal has been hit hard, with as many as 30 properties believed to have been destroyed.

However, the official count is yet to be confirmed. Residents have been advised not to return home due to safety concerns about live wires and fire retardants.

In the wake of this disaster, the Victorian government has announced emergency relief payments.

Affected residents can apply for $640 per adult and $320 per child, with a maximum of $2,240 for a family.

According to the VicEmergency website, to be eligible for a relief payment, your primary residence must be in an evacuation warning area or have suffered damage from the fires or storms, and you must have unmet immediate relief needs.

These funds can be accessed over the phone or in person at emergency relief centres, which have been set up at the Alexandra Oval Community Centre in Ararat and the Grampians Community Health in Stawell.

The bushfires, believed to have been sparked by lightning strikes during severe storms, have left hundreds of thousands of Victorians without power.

As of Wednesday evening, about 125,000 homes and businesses remained disconnected from electricity networks, down from a peak of 530,000.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) warned that it could take days or even more than a week to restore electricity to those impacted due to the extent of the damage.

AusNet, one of the state's major energy providers, said that it expects to restore power to 48,000 of its over 104,000 customers still without power by 6 pm on Thursday, February 15.

This number is expected to climb to 50,000 by the same time on Friday, February 16. However, a small number of customers could still be without power into next week.

The State Emergency Service has received more than 3,500 calls for assistance as of Wednesday afternoon, a number that is expected to rise.

The storms have also claimed a life, with a dairy farmer killed after being struck by debris while herding cows on a quad bike in Darlimurla in South Gippsland on Tuesday evening.

The bushfires and subsequent power outages have also impacted the state's healthcare system, with five regional hospitals potentially remaining on generator power for at least three days.

Almost 500 phone towers and 450 NBN sites were down on Wednesday, leaving a quarter of a million customers without internet access.

The emergency relief payments announced by the Victorian government are a crucial step in helping those affected by the bushfires to start rebuilding their lives.

If you or someone you know has been affected by these bushfires, don't hesitate to reach out and apply for these funds. It's a small but significant step towards recovery in the face of such a devastating event.

As we continue to face the threat of bushfires in Australia, it's important to stay informed about the risks and to be prepared. This includes understanding fire danger ratings, having a bushfire survival plan, and knowing what to do in the event of a bushfire.

To stay up-to-date on the bushfire situation, relief, and recovery efforts, please visit the VicEmergency website.

You can watch ABC News (Australia)’s story here:

Source: ABC News (Australia)/Youtube​

Key Takeaways

• Relief payments have been announced for Victorian bushfire victims, with $640 per adult and $320 per child available to affected residents, to a maximum of $2,240 for a family.
  
• Residents affected by the fires, particularly in Pomonal, have been advised not to return home due to ongoing safety hazards, and the total number of properties destroyed is still to be confirmed.
  
• Emergency centres have been set up in Ararat and Stawell for those impacted by the bushfires, and people can apply for relief payments there or over the phone.
  
• Approximately 125,000 homes and businesses remained without power following destructive storms, and restoration of electricity could take days or more than a week in some areas.
  

Stay safe, members, and remember to reach out to your nearest Emergency Centres or call VicEmergency on 1800 226 226 if you need support during these challenging times.

 

[Mark1]

So you have just lost your home, and the government makes you APPLY for $640!! Won't even pay for a couple of nights in a hotel.

 

[Luckyus]

So you have just lost your home, and the government makes you APPLY for $640!! Won't even pay for a couple of nights in a hotel.

All hail The State and Federal Governments for their Compassion and Largesse?.