July 16, 2023 – 09:42
Forest fires in the Canary Islands. Photo: Reuters
Thousands of residents of La Palma Island in the Canary Islands have been told to leave their homes as disaster management workers try to contain wildfires, according to reports. BBC.
As reported by Telex, the fire broke out on Saturday and has now consumed 4,500 hectares of land and at least a dozen homes. About 400 firefighters and soldiers are battling the flames. Officials say about 4,255 people have already been evacuated, but there are also local residents who refuse to leave.
This was said by Fernando Clavijo, President of the Regional Government of the Canary Islands
There is resistance to leaving homes, but the priority must be saving lives.
The focal point of the fire was in the Alpinar area in the northwestern settlement of Puntagorda, then it spread in a southerly direction towards the town of Tjaravi. The fire occurred during a severe heat wave that has sent temperatures soaring across much of southern Europe and is expected to continue into next week.
The ruler attributed the rapid spread of winds, climatic conditions and heat wave. But he said on Saturday evening that progress had slowed but was still out of control. According to local media reports, two seaplanes are taking part in the vaccination, and the Red Cross has set up a temporary facility to house the evacuees.
Spanish President Pedro Sanchez wrote on Twitter that he had spoken to the governor to express his solidarity with those affected by the fire and promised to make all necessary means available to the local authorities.
