SYDNEY: Thousands of holidaymakers and locals were forced to flee to beaches in fire-ravaged southeast Australia Tuesday.

Deadly blazes have ripped through popular tourist areas and cut off several towns.

In fire-encircled seaside communities along a 200-kilometer strip of coast, terrified people — wrapped in blankets and make-shift face masks — sought refuge near the water.

Some with boats even took to the sea in near-darkness, hoping to find safety, as one of the worst days yet in Australia’s months-long bushfire crisis prompted the military to be deployed.

(Agencies)