CANBERRA: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday said the death toll from the country’s bushfire crisis has risen to 27.

Morrison provided an update on the bushfires in a press conference at Parliament House, announcing that 2,131 homes have been destroyed and the toll is expected to rise, media reports said.

Fire burning across Australia’s southeast were expected to be exacerbated by high temperatures and strong winds on Thursday and Friday.

“I am sure over the course of the day, as further damage assessments have been undertaken, particularly in victims the numbers will continue to sadly change and they will continue to escalate,” he said.

(Agencies)