Australia news live: Qantas seeks answers on data breach, storm prompts asthma warning, property values fall further

Victorians have been warned about epidemic thunderstorm asthma conditions in parts of the state today.

Victoria’s Acting Chief Health Officer Dr Evelyn Wong sent out an alert due to the combination of forecast high grass pollen levels and strong thunderstorm wind gusts that could see a large number of people develop asthma symptoms for a short period of time.

“People in Mallee, North Central, North East and Wimmera districts who have asthma or spring hay fever need to be alert and prepared while this high-risk forecast is in place,” Dr Wong warned yesterday.

“The safest place to be during the strong wind gusts before and during a thunderstorm is indoors, with windows and doors closed.”