🔸Large numbers of people fleeing southern Europe out of fear of fire spreading

Following the latest heat wave, new wildfires have broken out in several countries in southern Europe. French media have reported around 40 fire incidents. Among the affected areas is the “Var” region in southern France, where about 700 people were forced to leave their homes and places of residence.

In Spain, a new fire started in a national park along the border with Portugal, and 12 villages around the area of Fermoselle were evacuated. However, conditions in other parts of Spain have eased somewhat.

Several wildfires are currently raging in Greece, with the most severe ones occurring in the south of the island of Crete. In this area, two firefighters lost their lives while carrying out firefighting operations, and around 8,000 people were asked to move to safe areas.

Strong winds have made rescue and relief operations difficult and have prevented water-spraying airplanes and helicopters from flying. However, the situation is better in other parts of Greece; in eastern Crete near Sitia, and also on the island of Lesbos, firefighters were able to bring the fire under control.