In the past few days, wildfires across Spain and Portugal have escalated, prompting both countries to ramp up their emergency responses. The current death toll stands at four as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expresses profound sorrow over the latest casualties. The intense firefighting efforts have been overshadowed by tragedies, including the death of a firefighter in Castile and León following a vehicle accident during operations. Meanwhile, in Portugal, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announced the death of a firefighter in a traffic accident.
So far, approximately 27,000 residents in Spain have been evacuated from their homes due to the rampant fires, particularly affecting the provinces of Galicia and Cáceres. Reports indicate that 343,000 hectares across Spain have been scorched in 2023, a staggering figure nearly doubling the previous year's tally.
Both countries are grappling with the implications of climate change, which have contributed to the severity of these wildfires. As of now, Spain and Portugal have called for international assistance under the European Civil Protection Mechanism, with other nations dispatching firefighting support and aircraft to aid in controlling the blazes raging in their territories.
So far, approximately 27,000 residents in Spain have been evacuated from their homes due to the rampant fires, particularly affecting the provinces of Galicia and Cáceres. Reports indicate that 343,000 hectares across Spain have been scorched in 2023, a staggering figure nearly doubling the previous year's tally.
Both countries are grappling with the implications of climate change, which have contributed to the severity of these wildfires. As of now, Spain and Portugal have called for international assistance under the European Civil Protection Mechanism, with other nations dispatching firefighting support and aircraft to aid in controlling the blazes raging in their territories.
