The massive forest fire in the southern part of Spain has caused huge devastation. At least 12 people died in the fire, while 23 people are still missing. The death toll may increase. It is believed to be one of Spain’s deadliest wildfires in recent years. The fire broke out late Thursday night in a remote area near the Sierra de los Filabres hills in Almeria province, where a large number of foreign nationals live. At that time, there was severe heat throughout Spain and the situation was already bad due to drought.
Most people died because they did not follow officials’ advice to stay safe indoors. Many people started running away in their cars, while some set out on foot. Some people fled through the dry river, but that path proved to be a death trap for them. According to officials, the four dead are suspected to be British citizens as their burnt car had right side steering, as is the case with British vehicles. Seven people died while leaving their cars and fleeing on foot.
Why could the fire not be controlled?
The fire could not be completely controlled. About 150 firefighters and 220 soldiers of Spain’s Military Emergency Unit were busy extinguishing the fire. So far the fire has burnt 3,200 hectares (about 7,900 acres) of forest and agricultural land. The ruggedness of the area, dry land, bushes, dry grass and strong winds are becoming the biggest challenges in extinguishing the fire. The continuous heatwave has made the entire area inflammable like gunpowder. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has also expressed deep sorrow over this accident.
Europe in the grip of extreme heat
Europe is once again in the grip of extreme heat. The temperature in Spain has reached above 40 degrees Celsius several times in recent years. More than 1,000 deaths were recorded due to record heat in June. According to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, Europe has become the world’s fastest warming continent and since the 1980s, temperatures here have increased at almost twice the rate of the global average.
France is also currently struggling with the threat of heat and forest fires. The temperature has reached 40 degrees Celsius in many areas. Thousands of hectares of forest have burnt in southern France, more than 10,000 people have had to be sent to safe places. Last month France had its hottest June ever recorded.
Also read: Iran active again after the attacks! Movement seen at nuclear and missile sites
Leave a Reply