Raging Wildfires in Spain and Portugal Cause Massive Destruction and Force Hundreds of Residents to Evacuate
Sudan Events – Agencies
Spain and Portugal are facing unprecedented wildfire crises, with flames causing widespread destruction and forcing thousands of people to evacuate from their areas.
Wildfires are blazing in different regions of both countries, threatening public safety and prompting authorities to take emergency measures to combat these environmental disasters.
Spain
A massive fire broke out in the Trapazos area, located near the border between Zamora Province and Portugal, on Saturday afternoon, forcing authorities to take emergency actions. The fire, which erupted just 100 meters from the homes of residents in the small village of Cejas de Aliste, led to the evacuation of more than 100 people. As a precautionary measure, one of the national roads leading to the village, whose population doubles in August, was closed.
Evidence suggests that the fire may have been deliberate due to the timing of its outbreak and the surrounding conditions, according to the village’s mayor. The flames, which spread rapidly due to the winds, destroyed more than 100 hectares of land. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, while more than 50 firefighting units, including ten aircraft, are working to extinguish the flames.
In Portugal, the ongoing fire on Madeira Island continues to pose a serious threat, with the crisis worsening in the Serra de Água and Vaga das Galinhas areas. While the situation has slightly improved in the Coral das Freiras area,
Portugal
While the situation has slightly improved in the Coral das Freiras area, it deteriorated in the afternoon on Saturday, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of residents as a precautionary measure.
In Serra de Água, the flames were fueled by strong winds, causing landslides in the area.
To bolster firefighting efforts, a team of 80 specialized firefighters arrived late at night in Madeira from Lisbon. Currently, 180 personnel are working on the ground to extinguish the fires, supported by more than 40 vehicles and one aircraft.
With the ongoing hot weather and strong winds, the Portuguese Sea and Atmosphere Institute (IPMA) issued an orange warning for all areas of Madeira, making firefighting efforts even more challenging. As a precautionary measure, dozens of people were evacuated from their homes to temporary shelters provided by local authorities.
