DThe devastating consequences of drought in southern Europe continue: At the start of the week, emergency services in many holiday countries are fighting wildfires. At least in France and Spain, the situation eased – even on the hard-hit holiday island of Tenerife.
Greece
The situation in Greece is different: there continued to wreak havoc in the fierce forest fires on Monday night. A fire broke out in the Dadia National Park in the north-east of the country for the fifth consecutive day. 320 firefighters were in action along with 68 fire engines as well as six firefighters and two helicopters. The army was also on site to provide assistance.
The fire is yet to be brought under control in the southern part of the island of Lesbos. Thousands of hectares of land is said to have been burnt there, the daily newspaper “Kathimerini” reported. And the Peloponnese peninsula was not spared either – a major fire broke out there on Sunday in the western regional district of Ilya, which also threatened residential areas.
Spain
The situation returned to normal in Spain, but the process of forest fires continues. The fire in Tenerife was particularly worrisome. Regional President Angel Victor Torres said on Sunday afternoon that the flames had destroyed more than 24 square kilometers on the popular Canary Islands so far. About 600 residents of La Guancha and four other communities were rescued on Saturday in the affected area in the north of the island. 2022 is already the most devastating forest fire year for Spain since records began.
Although a particularly long and intense heat wave ended a few days ago, extremely high temperatures in the country continue to haunt Spaniards and tourists. In Andalusia, southern Spain, it was recorded up to 44 degrees on Sunday, in Mallorca the mercury climbed to 37 degrees. For Monday, up to 40 degrees are expected for the center and northeast of the island, which is very popular with Germans. It should be “only” 34 degrees warmer at Ballerman on Playa de Palma.
France
Meanwhile, the fires on France’s Atlantic coast are partially clear: the fire at La Teste-de-Buch is believed to be extinguished. According to the province responsible, all residents were allowed to return to their homes over the weekend. On the other hand, the fire in Landiras has been brought under control. However, there are still around 30 active sources of fire and there is a risk that the fire may flare up again, it said.
America
America’s famous National Park Yosemite is also at risk due to the rapidly spreading fire in California across the Atlantic in America. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in the affected area. The so-called Oak Fire, which raged over 63 square kilometers, destroyed ten buildings and damaged five others, as announced by competent authority Cal Fire. The fire that broke out on Friday afternoon threatened about 2,700 homes, which are still unknown.
