Bells have sounded in Australia on Sunday to mark the beginning of the memorial service to remember those who died in Victoria’s bushfires.

Tens of thousands have gathered in Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, including political leaders, religious leaders, Princess Anne and hundreds of bushfire survivors.

Many of those at the service were wearing the distinctive yellow overalls of the firefighters.

At least 209 people are known to have died in Victoria’s firestorms.　

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet