Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison pledged two billion dollars (£1.06 billion) to fire reconstruction efforts on Monday, as New Zealand's military sent three helicopters and crew to help battle the bushfire crisis.

In Victoria on Monday, helicopters evacuated 350 more people from the coastal town of Mallacoota, but 300 more remained as the flights were suspended as thick smoke made flying too dangerous.

It is now estimated that 1.25 million hectares in Victoria have been burnt through, bringing the national total to well over six million.

On Sunday, the Australian navy’s largest ship, HMAS Adelaide, arrived at the New South Wales town of Eden with 400 troops and 300 tonnes of emergency supplies, as well as an on-board hospital, to assist the fire-stricken communities in the area.

Joining 3,000 Australian army reservists and other Australian defence personnel, New Zealand has sent three Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopters and crew, two army combat engineer sections and command elements.