Wildfires are ravaging at least nine countries around the Mediterranean as scorching temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds fuel the flames. Algeria has been hit hard, with fires spreading across 15 provinces and claiming the lives of 34 people. Witnesses describe the fires as resembling "blowtorches," leaving behind destruction and evacuations. The situation is also dire in Tunisia, Syria, Italy, Greece, France, Montenegro, and Portugal.
In Algeria, 8,000 firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the fires, but the extreme heat, reaching around 50°C (122°F), has made it extremely challenging. Two firefighters tragically lost their lives when their plane crashed during a mission. Nearby Tunisia is also battling severe wildfires, with more than 300 people evacuated from the village of Melloula, and fires causing damage in multiple regions. Italy faced a deadly combination of violent storms in the north and wildfires in Sicily, claiming the lives of at least seven people, including a 16-year-old girl. While the north experienced heavy rain and flooding, the south continued to grapple with scorching heat and wildfires. One 88-year-old woman was found dead near Palermo, and two others in their 70s were found in a house destroyed by the flames.
Greece, too, has been severely impacted, forcing the evacuation of over 20,000 people from Rhodes. Tragically, two firefighting pilots lost their lives when their water-dropping plane crashed on the island of Evia. In France, wildfires near Nice and Arles prompted significant firefighting efforts, while Croatia and Montenegro faced their own battles with spreading wildfires. Portugal, known for being one of the most wildfire-prone European countries, faced fires near the popular tourist destination of Cascais. With strong winds complicating efforts, over 600 firefighters were deployed to combat the blaze. As the Mediterranean region grapples with this wildfire crisis, leaders are acknowledging the impact of climate change and the need for urgent action. However, the situation remains challenging, and the fight against the blazes continues.
A CSR Initiative of
Designed and Executed by
Implemented by
Technology is a useful servant, but a dangerous master, it was rightly said. Electronic devices have grown into an inevitable part of our daily lives.
