Smoke From Australian Bush Fires Has Turned New Zealand Glaciers Brown

by Sanjana Shenoy
Smoke From Australian Bush Fires Has Turned New Zealand Glaciers Brown

Australia has been burning for weeks, despite the sincere efforts by the country’s firefighters and authorities. Half a million animals have died, yet the bushfires show no sign of being contained. And now the latest reports suggest that the smoke from the Australian bushfires have turned New Zealand’s glaciers brown. Yes! you heard that right. Snow white glaciers situated thousands of km away from the Australian bushfires now have a caramel tinge to it.

Picture Credits: cnn.com

What’s In It?

New Zealand’s official weather forecaster MetService tweeted that the smoke which has travelled around 2000 km across the Tasman Sea can clearly be seen. This very acrid smelling snow first appeared in this country on Wednesday. People could make this out as the sun appeared red or golden orb on the thickness of the haze. Another Twitter user named Miss Roho tweeted that they could actually smell the burning there at Christchurch. The visibility there is as low as 10 km in the areas affected badly.

Picture Credits: unilad.co.uk

Yet another Twitter user, Rachel posted a photo of the Franz Josef Glacier which is more than 2000 km away and the usual pristine white mountain could be seen with a brown hue.  She stated in her post that she was near Franz Josef glacier. And the caramelised snow is caused by dust from the bushfires. She did mention that the snow was white the previous day. Popular comedian Jemaine Clement posted a picture of a golden orb and stated the occurrence happening all the way over in New Zealand is credited to the Australian Bushfire, giving New Zealand a strange sun.

Also Read: 6 Things To Do In Darwin, Australia

What’s More?

The Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison sadly expressed his condolences over the deaths and sacrifices to save the lives and property. He remarked that they will always be remembered. He expressed his sincere sympathies and condolences to the families of the firefighters, who fought bravely to put off the fires but have been killed overnight. He further drew light on how courageously they were fighting to defend their communities with an unmatched spirit and that would always set them apart amongst brave Australians. Experts suggest that this is one of the worst conditions that Australia has witnessed in years. After the fires do clear, if you plan to go to Australia, then here’s Northern Territory- Australia: The Complete Playlist

Picture Credits: unilad.co.uk

But the Austrian fighters have shown a determined spirit, hey even worked on Christmas to use the cooler conditions as an opportunity to douse the fire before the hot, dry weather starts next week. Communities and leaders have continued to thank them for sacrificing their time with families. Well really hope that these fires will be able to be contained soon.