An extreme heatwave in Australia has led to the deaths of more than 90 wild horses in the outback, authorities say.
Australia has been experiencing an extreme heat wave over the past two weeks. Photo: AFP
Rangers found dead and dying animals in a dried-up waterhole near Alice Springs last week.
About 40 of the animals had already died from dehydration and starvation. Surviving horses were later culled.
A local resident, Ralph Turner, also visited the site and posted photos online, describing the scene as "carnage".
"I was devastated. I'd never seen anything like it - all the bodies.
"I couldn't believe something like that had happened."
It comes amid record-breaking heat, with temperatures hitting 49.5C north of Adelaide in South Australia.
The mercury rose to 47.7C in the city itself on Thursday, breaking a record set in 1939.
How hot is it?
The heatwave across Australia during the past two weeks has broken dozens of records aross the nation.
More than 13 towns in the state of South Australia have seen heat records eclipsed.
Emergency services in more than 13 districts are on alert for fear of possible bushfires.
Meanwhile in Alice Springs, near where the horses were found, temperatures have exceeded 42C for almost two weeks - more than 6C above January's typical average, according to Australia's Bureau of Meteorology.
Adelaide has been experiencing extreme heat lately. Photo: Public Domain / Creative Commons
Emergency services in more than 13 districts are on alert for fear of possible bushfires.
Meanwhile in Alice Springs, near where the horses were found, temperatures have exceeded 42C for almost two weeks - more than 6C above January's typical average, according to Australia's Bureau of Meteorology.
Australians feeling the heat
South Australia health authorities said 44 people had come in for treatment in the space of 24 hours due to the extreme temperatures.
Officials nationwide have issued health warnings urging people to stay indoors and minimise physical activity, with heightened concerns for the elderly, the chronically ill and children.
Earlier this month, officials confirmed that 2018 and 2017 had been Australia's third and fourth hottest years on record respectively.
Even if global temperatures are contained to the Paris accord limit of a 2C rise above pre-industrial levels, scientists believe Australia is facing a dangerous new normal.
Parts of eastern Australia suffered their worst drought in recent history last year, while thousands of Australians fled their homes when bushfires swept through Queensland in November.
The country has committed to reducing its emissions by 26-28% on 2005 levels by 2030, under the Paris climate agreement.
But in November, school students nationwide left class in protest at what they said was a response the government's inadequate action on climate change.
According to the UN's 2018 emissions gap report, Australia's climate policy saw no improvement in 2017, and emission levels for 2030 are projected to be above target.
-BBC