By Renee Strouthou
President Emmanuel Macron has called an emergency meeting after apocalyptic wildfires are threatening towns in France and Spain.
After both nations experienced a rather cold weekend dropping to around 10 degrees Celsius, temperatures began rising again on Tuesday, July 21st, leading to the devastating wildfires witnessed over the past couple of days.
In France, the main region that has been affected is Gironde, with fires advancing towards Bordeaux and the Cap Ferret Peninsula. In Spain, the regions that have been most affected by the fires are Avila Province, Castellon Province, areas of west Madrid and parts of the Valencia region.
Firefighters in both countries are racing to contain the fires as the weather is expected to get even hotter this week, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of many residents in the areas. It is estimated that more than 300,000 people have been evacuated from their homes across both countries and have been given shelter in sports halls and exhibition centers.
Reportedly, at least 2 firefighters have died in France during the crisis, while 75 are currently being treated for injuries sustained during the wildfires. In Spain, they have recorded their first civilian death near Valencia.
The Spanish prime minister expressed his concern over the issue on Saturday, July 25th, warning that the battles against the fires will be a “complex” fight. He emphasizes that authorities will prioritize tackling the wildfire near Madrid, stating, "Our priority, our thinking, our aim is for your lives, to save your lives and protect inhabited areas."
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), wildfires in Europe are up 57% in the last 4 years. This has not only led to the destruction of vast areas of land and the release of large quantities of carbon dioxide but has also become a constant threat to Europeans.
