Barwon Water has alerted residents in Gellibrand that their local water treatment plant can no longer supply water due to the imminent threat posed by nearby bushfires. This troubling development means that by the early hours of Wednesday, January 28, residents will find their taps dry, and any remaining water is deemed unsafe for consumption.

In an announcement shared on social media, Barwon Water assured that alternative water sources would be arranged for Gellibrand’s residents once it is safe for personnel to return and commence necessary repairs. This comes as the community grapples with a “shelter in place” emergency warning, issued early this morning as the raging bushfire made evacuation a perilous option.

The urgency of the situation is further underscored by similar warnings extended to nearby areas including Barongarook, Barongarook West, Kawarren, Carlisle River, and Gerangamete. Over 20 other communities in the region have been advised to “leave immediately,” as part of watch and act alerts.

According to VicEmergency’s morning update, the bushfire has already consumed 11,000 hectares. While the fire broke through containment lines overnight, its pace has thankfully slowed, offering a glimmer of hope amid the ongoing crisis.

The same warning applied to Barongarook, Barongarook West, Kawarren, Carlisle River, and Gerangamete, while more than 20 other communities in the area have been told to “leave immediately” under watch and act warnings.

In its morning update, VicEmergency said the fire had now burned through 11,000 hectares, but had slowed down after breaking containment overnight.

It remains out of control and is threatening “homes and lives”.

Heatwave temperatures are set to drop in Victoria’s south today, to near or even slightly below the average.

Melbourne’s maximum temperature will experience a 20-degree drop, from about 45 degrees yesterday to 24 degrees today.

But the state’s northern regions will continue to swelter, with temperatures in the high 30s or low 40s through to Saturday, prompting warnings from health officials.

VicEmergency warned record temperatures of up to 45 degrees could be recorded in the north-east.

Fires also burn in the state’s north, including around Walwa, but no evacuation warnings are in place.

Nor are temperatures in the north expected to match the records set yesterday, when Walpepup in the north-west Mallee region hit 48.9 degrees, the hottest day on record in Victoria.

However, even with cooler weather in the south, firefighters continue to face an immense challenge, especially after a wind change overnight sending flames north-east – prompting the “take shelter” warning this morning.

The Otways fire has so far burnt through more than 10,000 hectares and at least three homes are believed to have been lost.

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