Australia Bushfire Reveals Ancient Water Channel Older than Pyramids in Egypt

An old extensive water channel that is older than the pyramids in Egypt has resurfaced in the state of Victoria after the bushfire burned away the thick vegetation that covers it.

According to UNESCO, the said aquatic system was built by the Gunditjmara people using volcanic rocks about 6,600 years ago -- at least a millennium older compared to the pyramids in Egypt. It has channels, weirs, and dams built, and is said to be used to trap and harvest eels for food.

The archaeological site, now called Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, has been added to UNESCO's World Heritage List since July of the previous year. However, most portion of the site was still covered back then until the fire revealed it in December.

According to Denis Rose, project manager at non-profit group Gunditj Mirroring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, he was "surprised" when they returned to the site and found a 25-meter long channel that was previously hidden.

He also added that there were some structures that look like channels and ponds. He also said that this water system has provided a "rich, sustainable life" for the aborigines.

Since these areas were previously unexplored, Rose said that they will conduct a "comprehensive cultural heritage survey" to study the site.

UNESCO explained that the aborigines built the water system to redirect the water flow and maximize aquaculture yield.

The Budj Bim Cultural Landscape also represents the cultural traditions and knowledge of the Gunditjmara, the Paris-based organization also added.

Like in many places in Victoria, the fire near the national park was caused by lightning, said Mark Mellington, district manager for Forest Fire Management Victoria. Then, it burnt at least 790 hectares of land.

Since the site was protected, firefighters have to use "low impact technique", in contrast to the typical high-pressure water hose, to minimize the damage, Mellington also added.

According to the Victorian government, the Gunditjmara strived in the southern parts of Victoria before the European settled. Its population started to dwindled shortly after the Europeans arrived in the 19th century.

Massive Smokes from the Fire

Scientists from NASA warned that the smoke from the Australian bushfire will make at least one "full circuit" around the globe and will return to the country where it originated.

By analyzing the plumes' movement on the satellites, the space agency said that the smoke from late December has always traveled "halfway across Earth" and is now affecting the air quality of other countries, like its neighbor New Zealand which will see "black snow".

The bushfire crisis in Australia has been going on since late September, killing at least 30 people and displacing thousands of others.

People have thought that rain will end the crisis, which happened on Monday. However, despite the heavy downpour, at least 80 bushfires were still active in New South Wales and Victoria.

Also, the storm has given more damage than help as it came with huge balls of ice which smashed many windows and windshields.

The on-going crisis has also led to more people discussing climate change and why it should be taken more seriously. The Morrison government was criticized for its "inadequate actions" on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Malcolm Turnbull, a former prime minister of Australia, accused Prime Minister Scott Morrison of "misleading" the country by downplaying the effect of climate change on the intensity of the current bushfire crisis.

It is noted that Morrison is among the world leaders who deny climate change.