The death toll from bushfires across Victoria this weekend is now 93, surpassing the number of people who perished in the 1983 Ash Wednesday blazes.
More than 700 houses north of Melbourne have been lost in what is being described as 'Hell on Earth'. The ABC reports it is feared the death toll will pass 100.
Prime minister Kevin Rudd has warned Australia to brace for further bad news.
Twenty-six fires continue to burn across Victoria: 12 are out of control. Arsonists are suspected as being responsible for some fires.
In an address to the state, Premier John Brumby said:
"Tonight our resolve as Victorians is being tested."
"We know that tragically many lives have been lost ... and we have grave concerns for many more. We know that hundreds of Victorians have lost their houses. Out there it has been Hell on Earth.
"It is one of the most tragic events in Victoria's history. I am personally devastated by the tragedy. The scale of the tragedy defies comprehension.
"We all grieve with you. So many families, families like yours and mine, now have to rebuild. I can promise that we will not stop until you are safe and your lives and communities have been rebuilt."
Community toll
The worst-hit areas are Kinglake, where at least 18 have died, St Andrews (12 lives lost), and Steeles Creek (seven dead).
Five people are dead in Callignee and Flowervale, three in Hazelwood, Whittlesea and Taggerty, and one in Jeeralang.
More bodies have been found at Marysville, Humevale, Bendigo, Long Gully, Strathewan and Arthurs Creek.
Seventy-five people died in Victoria and New South Wales during the February 1983 Ash Wednesday fires.
The ABC reports the Kinglake area is the hardest hit in terms of both lives lost and property damaged.
The fire there continues to burn out of control and has burned more than 220,000 hectares.
Most of the residents whose homes were burnt are sheltering at an emergency relief centre.
Other communities around Glenburn, Taggerty and Rubicon are being urged to remain alert for any threats to their homes.
PM's message
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd visited ravaged regions on Sunday and warned the nation to brace itself for the likelihood of more deaths.
"We've come through bad times before and we'll come through this one," he said.
"This Government will be behind these communities. I fear in the days ahead, though, the news is going to be bad and I believe the nation needs to prepare itself as the full facts become known."
Mr Rudd announced a $A10 million relief fund as well as a multi-million-dollar appeal.
