Portugal has declared a “state of calamity” as wildfires continue to rage out of control in the northern part of the country. More than 100 wildfires have stretched thousands of firefighters to their limits, and the situation remains dire.
Since the wildfires began, at least seven people have tragically lost their lives. The fires have caused extensive damage to homes, forests, and wildlife, with the flames spreading rapidly due to dry and windy conditions.
Emergency services are working tirelessly to try and contain the fires, but the sheer scale of the blazes has made their efforts challenging. The Portuguese government has issued warnings to citizens to stay indoors and evacuate areas at risk, as the fires show no signs of slowing down.
The declaration of a “state of calamity” allows authorities to mobilize resources more efficiently and provide quicker assistance to those affected by the wildfires. The situation is expected to worsen before it gets better, as firefighters battle to bring the blazes under control.
The wildfires serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of climate change, and the urgent need for global action to mitigate its effects. It is a time of great despair for Portugal, as the country grapples with the destruction caused by these uncontrollable fires.
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Video “Portugal declares ‘state of calamity’ as wildfires rage out of control • FRANCE 24 English” was uploaded on 09/19/2024 to Youtube Channel FRANCE 24 English