Canberra, January 28 (QNA) - A record-breaking heatwave that has gripped southeastern Australia for the fifth consecutive day has exacerbated bushfires, strained the electricity grid, and left thousands of buildings without power.

Local authorities stated that the heatwave is the worst to hit Victoria (the country's second most populous state) since the devastating Black Saturday bushfires of 2009, which claimed 173 lives. They anticipate the heatwave will subside next week.

The state's emergency management agency confirmed that the extreme heat warning remains in effect, forecasting eight consecutive days of severe to very severe heat.

Power outages affected approximately 11,000 businesses in Victoria, down from 105,000 the previous day. Firefighters continue to battle six major bushfires, three of which are out of control. The fires have destroyed nearly 400 homes and burned through an area equivalent to one million acres. (QNA)