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Australia: Bushfire death toll rises to 200

The official death toll from the Victorian bushfires has risen to 200.

Investigators have confirmed a further 11 people died in fires around the town of Kinglake.

Yesterday police warned the death toll would continue to rise as more bodies are identified in the devastated areas.

Disaster Victim Identification teams have been examining some of the areas hardest hit by fires for the first time.

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe yesterday said some of the bodies may never be identified.

"It is a very difficult process in some cases to actually be able to determine whether the remains are human remains or not," he said.

"As to what the number's going to get to I think we should await and let it unfold over the next week or 10 days."

Next Sunday has been declared a national day of mourning for bushfire victims.

Thousands of people are expected to gather at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena for a memorial service to remember the dead.

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Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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