Australian navy begins evacuation in fire-ravaged town of Mallacoota

The Australian navy has evacuated around 1,000 tourists and residents who were trapped in the fire-ravaged town of Mallacoota on the Victoria coast.

The military evacuated over 60 people by helicopter on Thursday as the air has so far been too smoky for further air evacuations.

Victoria’s premier Daniel Andrews declared a state of disaster for six areas and resorts, including Mallacoota.

Thousands of people are also fleeing parts of neighbouring New South Wales, where a week-long state of emergency is in force.

Since September, the Australian fires have killed at least 20 people, and dozens remain missing.

Meanwhile, prime minister Scott Morrison has come under attack for his response to the fires.

He was heckled by angry locals in Cobargo, New South Wales, and had to cut short his visit to the fire-hit town.

In a news conference on Friday, he said he understood people’s anger and that they had suffered a great lot” and were feeling very raw.

Mr Morrison has also faced criticism for his climate change policies, with many saying urgent action must be taken.

But he insists that Australia is meeting the challenge better than most countries and fulfilling international targets.