Catastrophic bushfires rage in Victoria amid record heat and state of disaster

A state of disaster has been declared in Victoria, Australia, as catastrophic bushfires continue to burn. The fires have turned deadly, with a body found in an area ravaged by the Longwood blaze, and have destroyed homes and vast areas of land.

The emergency comes as the state endures extreme heat, with temperatures soaring past 40 degrees Celsius and breaking Victoria's heat record. Authorities have placed the state on high alert as the fires continue to rage.