Satellite images show the extent of the Australia bushfires on 9 February - with smoke drifting across the region.

Some rural communities have been wiped out by the fires, with families killed and houses and property destroyed.

Witnesses say the fires swept through the communities - of Kinglake (left) and Marysville (right) in a matter of minutes - giving residents little time to escape.

Meanwhile, firefighters continue to battle bushfires elsewhere in Victoria state.