Australia kicks off New Year's celebration with fireworks
Smoke-choked Sydney on Tuesday kicked off a global wave of New Year celebrations with a huge fireworks display for billions around the world, ringing in the new decade.
Australia's largest city usually puts on a dazzling display of pyrotechnics over the glittering harbour but this year's celebrations have been overshadowed by calls to cancel the fireworks as devastating bushfires rage across the country.
Toxic smoke haze has shrouded Sydney for weeks and a petition to cancel the event out of respect for fire victims attracted more than 280,000 signatures.
Fireworks displays were scrapped in Australia's capital, Canberra, and Sydney's western suburbs due to elevated fire danger and extreme weather conditions but fire authorities said it was safe to go ahead over the water.
12 сен 2024
