Intense Wildfires Burn Regions in Spain, Portugal
(MENAFN) The Iberian Peninsula continues to face intense wildfire outbreaks as of Monday, with the total number of fatalities reaching six—four in Spain and two in Portugal.
The situation remains critical, with emergency services stretched thin and large areas scorched by the flames.
Spain is currently contending with over 40 ongoing wildfires, the majority of which are concentrated in the Castilla and Leon region.
This information was highlighted by a newspaper. Infrastructure has also been significantly impacted, with a high-speed train route connecting Madrid and Galicia suspended for five consecutive days. Additionally, 16 highways have been shut down due to the fires.
During an interview with a broadcaster, Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that the Military Emergency Unit has never encountered such a scenario in "its 20 years of existence."
The fires have already destroyed more than 115,000 hectares (284,171 acres) of land throughout Spain, compelling thousands to flee their homes.
Spain’s weather agency Aemet has issued a red alert for certain areas as extreme heat continues to fuel the blazes.
Temperatures in these zones are forecasted to hit 44°C (111°F), exacerbating the already dangerous conditions.
Meanwhile, in Portugal, preliminary government figures indicate that, as of August 18, wildfires had burned through 185,753 hectares (459,100 acres).
This surpasses the total area affected by fires in all of 2024, according to a news outlet.
Although some wildfire fronts are beginning to weaken, the city of Covilha released a fresh warning on Monday, indicating that the fire remains uncontrolled.
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