A severe heatwave is making it harder to control over 20 major wildfires across Spain. On Sunday, the government deployed an additional 500 troops to assist firefighters. These troops are part of the military emergency unit.
The northwestern region of Galicia is one of the worst-hit areas. Several fires there have joined into one large blaze. This has forced authorities to close highways and suspend train services.
Spain is among the countries hardest hit by this summer’s heatwave. Southern Europe is experiencing one of its worst wildfire seasons in 20 years. In just one week, fires in Spain have killed three people and destroyed more than 115,000 hectares of land.
Temperatures are expected to reach 45°C (113°F) in some areas, according to Spain’s national weather agency, AEMET. The intense heatwave is expected to continue until at least Tuesday.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited the affected region of Ourense. He warned that the weather is not helping and that more tough days lie ahead. With the latest reinforcements, 1,900 military troops are now involved in firefighting efforts across the country.
Virginia Barcones, director general of emergency services, described the weather as “very adverse.” She said the extreme heat and dry conditions make firefighting much more difficult.
In the village of Villardevos in Galicia, local residents have taken matters into their own hands. Without electricity to power water pumps, they are using buckets to battle the flames.
Authorities have arrested 27 people and are investigating 92 others for suspected arson since June.
In neighbouring Portugal, wildfires have burned 155,000 hectares so far this year. Thousands of firefighters are working to control blazes in central and northern parts of the country.
As the heatwave continues, emergency services across the region remain on high alert.
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