ARN News Centre

Ferries halted, alarms triggered as Sydney choked by bushfire smoke

Tuesday, 10 December 2019 16:35

A thick layer of bushfire smoke has blanketed Sydney, pushing air quality 11 times higher than considered "hazardous".

Visibility reduced considerably on Tuesday with several famous landmarks disappearing behind the haze and forcing authorities to halt ferry services.

Officials from the state environmental body have warned that the conditions are a "risk to people's health", and urged people with pre-existing health conditions, young children and the elderly to stay indoors.

While there is no official evacuation order, many locals in areas have already moved out of their homes.

More from International

At least 9 killed in hotel fire in India's Kolkata

At least nine people have been killed, including a child, in a fire at a hotel in India's eastern city of Kolkata on Wednesday, local police said.
Ebola cases in Congo exceed 5,000, government data shows

The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo now exceeds 5,000, government data has showed late on Tuesday, as health officials warn that response efforts are failing to contain the deadly disease.
8 Israeli airstrikes hit Syria's Abu al-Duhur airbase, state TV reports

Eight Israeli airstrikes have hit the Abu al-Duhur military airbase in northwestern Syria early on Tuesday, targeting the runway and storage facilities, Syria's state-run Ekhbariya said, citing a military source.
Indonesia earthquake death toll rises to 70, government aid arrives

The death toll from the powerful 7.7-magnitude quake that struck Indonesia last Saturday has risen to 70.
China's torrential rains kill 10 in southwest as thousands evacuated

Torrential rains have killed 10 people in China's southwest following a house collapse and a landslide, state broadcaster CCTV said on Wednesday, with tens of thousands also evacuated as a precaution.