The heat wave is getting worse in Europe with record temperatures and more forest fires

The extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 43 degrees in Portugal and 42 degrees in the south of France, with forest fires and which authorities link to climate change, has dangerously embraced Europe.

A wave of bushfires is sweeping parts of the European Union, with firefighters battling the flames in Portugal, Spain and southern France, including an unusual heat wave.

The French have already gone on vacation in their first major post-Covid hiatus, even though the virus is once again making its way across the country. The southern beaches are full but it is there, in the Gard area, that the fires broke out.

The “canicule”, as the French call it, it could last 8-10 daysaccording to the Météo France service and will suffocate the country, where air conditioning is in short supply because it protects historic buildings.

Doctors warn to take care of the elderly and the most vulnerable dehydration or sunburn. Young people accumulate sun and vitamin D on the banks of the Seine in Paris.

fires and evacuations

According to the regional emergency service, more than 800 firefighters have fought two fires in the region outside Bordeaux in southwestern France.

The fire broke out on Tuesday near the towns of Landiras and La Teste-de-Buch and on Wednesday morning the firefighters were unable to contain it.

About 6,500 people were evacuated of fields and villages in the forest area. The number of injured is unclear. The two fires destroyed more than 4,400 acres of land, the emergency service said.

Filming by firefighters showed flames racing through groves of trees and grasslands, fueled by strong winds and smoke that blacken the horizon.

The administration has banned activity in endangered wooded areas. There are several regions of southern France fire alarm due to the hot, dry climate and strong winds. Fires hit the Gard region in southeastern France last week.

In Vannes, the city in the Morbihan region, it has canceled its historic festivals which 20,000 people would have attended today due to the temperatures.

Record temperatures in Portugal

The Portuguese are enduring temperatures of 43 degrees. In Portugal, the commander of civil protection André Fernandes said that several fires resulted in the evacuation of more than 600 people. About 120 people requested medical attention. Two people, a civilian and a firefighter, were seriously injured, Fernandes said.

The planes that dropped water helped 1,300 firefighters fight the worst of the fires in the central area of ​​the country, while another 1,000 worked to control the fire in other areas.

The European heat wave is also causing flames in Spain and France and in Turkey at the other end of the Mediterranean.

Emergency in London

To help the homeless, the response to the severe weather emergency in London has been activated.

The mayor of the British capital, Sadiq Khan, has launched a “severe response to the climate emergency” in London, in an effort to help restless sleepers struggling to stay safe in rising temperatures.

The mayor said that citywide weather emergency protocols (SWEPs) are generally activated when temperatures drop below freezing in winter. He urged councils, along with homeless charities, to provide emergency hospitalization and support for vulnerable people sleeping outdoors.

But with temperatures set to rise this week and a level three heat monitoring from the Met Office, Khan said he has decided to implement the measure now.

“This ongoing heatwave could be dangerous for anyone. But for those with restless sleep, there are additional risks,” he said.

“This is why the city council is working with London boroughs to prioritize support for some of our most vulnerable Londoners,” added the mayor.

“Across the capital, we are taking steps to help those forced to sleep restlessly in these extremely high temperatures by increasing wellness checks, providing enough water and sunscreen, making sure those with restless sleep know where to access. to cool spaces and water sources, “he explained.

“As always, London councils and charities will work hard this week to support restless sleepers in our city. On behalf of all Londoners, I thank you for your tireless efforts,” said Khan.

Save water

Londoners are advised to limit water consumption to reduce the risk of deficiencies.

Thames Water’s demand reduction manager Andrew Tucker said, “During times of heat, water use can often skyrocket, with hoses and sprinklers watering gardens and paddling pools filling up.” .

“This makes it even more important to consider water use to ensure there is enough for everyone,” he added.

“While we do not currently plan to introduce restrictions on water use this summer, it is important that families continue to be responsible for their use and help us limit the pressure on our resources,” the official warned.

The utility company has suggested people take shorter showers, reduce the use of garden hoses, and turn off taps when brushing their teeth.

After temperatures hit 40 degrees in parts of Portugal on Tuesday, forecasters warn that much of Spain is likely to experience temperatures above 40 degrees.

“Heat accompanied by drought, risk of forest fires, impacts on health and the environment,” said the World Meteorological Organization.

Paris, correspondent

CB