Thursday, July 27, 2023
Wildfires caused by extreme heatwaves spread in the Croatian Adriatic city of Dubrovnik last night, with strong winds making it more difficult for aircraft to be deployed in the danger zone.
According to a news agency, the area affected by the fire is 12 kilometres from Dubrovnik, perhaps the most important tourism destination in the European country, Schengen Visa website reports.
A hurricane southern wind blowing in the Dubrovnik-Neretva canton has fuelled a widespread open space fire in the area of the Dubrovnik Plat community, the Croatian Firefighters Community (HVZ) said on its website.
About 130 firefighters were battling the fires, while two deployed Canadian planes at nearby locations were forced to return due to strong winds, as the HVZ pointed out. The buildings are not threatened.
Another bushfire happened in Split-Dalmatian county on the same day, with 65 firefighters and three aircraft that were trying to contain the blaze.
The surrounding countries are also dealing with tough weather conditions, as two people drowned and several injured in Montenegro due to strong winds, while Italy has encountered even deadlier situations.
Seven people died due to the extreme weather in Italy – three due to wildfires in Southern Italy and four in the country’s northern region because of the storms, while Palermo airport has been shut temporarily.
The temperatures are surging, with Palermo recording a 47-celsius degree temperature, with the temperatures marked on Monday being the highest on records.
Italian authorities have also revealed that the number of hospitalised patients and those seeking emergent help due to smoke inhalation has spiked in recent hours.
Similarly, two pilots working to contain the fires on the Greek island of Evia died as their aircraft crashed due to the weather conditions.
In addition, hundreds of people were evacuated from their homes, while tourists in Rhodes Island left in search of safer places.
The wildfires are also threatening zones near Nice International Airport in France, but fortunately, no victims haven’t been reported.
The situation is especially concerning for the Mediterranean countries of Algeria and Tunisia, which due to wildfires and the extreme European heatwave, reported at least 34 casualties.
Fuelled by strong winds, fires have spread to neighbouring countries of Tunisia and forced the closure of the border crossings.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
