Portugal is facing a devastating wildfire crisis, with the central and northern regions particularly hard hit. The blazes have claimed the lives of at least 7 people, destroyed dozens of homes, and consumed tens of thousands of hectares of forest and scrubland. The situation has overwhelmed local emergency services, prompting an urgent call for international aid.
Spain and Morocco have pledged support, sending specialized teams and heavy water-bombing aircraft to assist the overwhelmed Portuguese firefighters. The EU civil protection mechanism has already dispatched aircraft from Spain, Italy, and France. The Portuguese government declared a state of calamity in affected municipalities, allowing authorities access to private property to combat the fires.
Advertisement
Hey there! Want to support us? If you’re planning on shopping on Amazon, please consider using amzn.to/4bPDFNL. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, but helps us keep the lights on. Thanks for your support!
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has pledged immediate support for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. He also addressed the suspected arson aspect of the fires, vowing to investigate and prosecute any individuals responsible. The national guard has already arrested 7 people suspected of arson since Saturday.
The influx of international aid is crucial for rotating exhausted Portuguese firefighters and maintaining aircraft. The situation is described as “stressful” and at the “limit of capabilities” by officials.