Raging Wildfires Turn Galicia into Disaster Zone: A Climate Wake-Up Call
Spain's northern region of Galicia faces an unprecedented wildfire crisis, with fires burning for over ten days and compelling the government to declare disaster zones. Thousands of firefighters continue to battle blazes exacerbated by climate change, amid international support and rising urgencies of the climate emergency.
- Country:
- Spain
Spain is in crisis as relentless wildfires devastate the northern region of Galicia, prompting the government to designate affected areas as disaster zones, according to Euro News. For over ten days, firefighters have been fighting to contain multiple fires that have already consumed nearly 4,000 square kilometers of woodlands.
These wildfires rank among Spain's most destructive in recent history despite a decrease in temperatures following an intense European heatwave. Thousands of firefighters, supported by soldiers and water-bombing aircraft, are contending with blazes that have severely impacted north-western Spain, where the national weather agency AEMET reports an ongoing high fire risk.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez highlighted the role of unprecedented heat in fueling these catastrophic fires, with temperatures in Galicia surpassing 42 degrees Celsius. The fires have claimed four lives this year and led to numerous arrests for suspected arson. Meanwhile, climate scientists urge immediate action as Europe faces increasing wildfire risks due to climate change impacts.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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