Australia fires: four maps and graphics that reveal the scale of the crisis

Unprecedented bushfires have created chaos across the nation

A satellite image released by Copernicus Sentinel Imagery shows wildfires burning across Australia, December 31, 2019. AP

This satellite image provided by NASA on Saturday, January 4, 2020, shows wildfires in Victoria and New South Wales, Australia. AP

A satellite image taken on January 3, 2020, from the Japan Meteorological Agency shows an image from the Himawari-8 satellite of Australia, with smoke from bushfires visably drifting off the coast of southeast New South Wales. AFP

A satellite image made available by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows part of mainland Australia, on December 26, 2019, where historic bushfires still rage in the southeastern states and territories. EPA

This satellite image released by Copernicus Sentinel Imagery on December 31, 2019, shows wildfires across South Australia. AP

This satellite infrared image released by Maxar Technologies from January 4, 2020, shows wildfires in Kosciuszko National Park, Australia. AFP

This satellite shortwave infrared image released by Maxar Technologies on January 4, 2020, shows wildfires east of Orbost, Australia. AFP

This satellite natural colour image released by Maxar Technologies on January 4, 2020, shows smoke from wildfires east of Orbost, Australia. AFP

This satellite infrared closeup image released by Maxar Technologies on January 4, 2020, shows wildfires east of Orbost, Australia. AFP

A satellite image made available by NASA Earth Observatory shows fires burning near the coast of New South Wales, near Canberra and areas north to the border with Queensland, Australia, on December 4, 2019. EPA

Bushfires have ravaged millions of hectares of land across Australia, killing dozens of people, destroying thousands of buildings and leaving some towns without electricity and mobile coverage.

According to some estimates, about half a billion wild animals have perished in the fires, along with thousands of farm animals.

On Monday, January 6, losses were estimated at A$375 million since November, the Insurance Council said.

And, with the fire season just beginning, it could be months before the crisis is abated and the full impact on people and wildlife is known.

Here are four maps and graphics that show the scale of the bushfires burning in Australia...

1. How big are the fires around Australia?

2. How do the Australian fires compare to previous fires?

3. What is the toll so far?

4. How do bushfires affect the weather?

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Read more from The National:

The Australian bushfires from above - in pictures

Australian government pledges $1.4bn to bushfire recovery

Watch: Thirsty koala gulps down cyclist's water during Australian heatwave

Australian bushfire crisis: This is not the time for blame, says Scott Morrison

How much longer can we watch Australia burn?