Bushfires have ravaged Australia's east coast and other areas amid record-breaking spring heatwaves in the country.

The fire department in the southeastern state of Victoria says about 17,000 hectares had been burned by Tuesday.

There have been unseasonably high temperatures on the east coast and in surrounding areas, with the mercury climbing to over 30 degrees Celsius.
It has also been the driest September on record, contributing to the blaze.

Jason Heffernan, the Victorian Country Fire Authority Chief Officer, said, "We are seeing fire seasons start a lot earlier, go a lot longer. But the other thing I would point out is that it's spring, and spring in Victoria can be very erratic."

The weather is changing drastically. It started raining in Victoria from Tuesday. Weather officials say some areas in the state have gotten eight times more rain than usual for September. Authorities are warning of flooding.

Meanwhile, there were nearly 50 bushfires in the state of New South Wales during the 24 hours through Wednesday afternoon. Authorities have issued the highest-level alert in some areas, and imposed a total ban on outdoor fires in Sydney.