Death toll approaching 200, almost 1,000 homes destroyed

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The official toll stands at 173 dead with more than 50 people still missing, thought to be dead, making it the country's worst bushfire disaster.
The blazes have burnt through more than 3,000 square kilometres - entire towns were wiped off the map within 24 hours at the weekend.
More than 900 homes have been destroyed and 7,000 survivors have registered for assistance with the Red Cross.

Red Cross Australia spokesman Michael Raper says Australians, along with people around the world, have shown how generous they are.
"We have got $28 million from 156,000 people donating on the website and on the 1800 number," he said.

sandra