More than 40 people have lost their lives in the raging Mediterranean wildfires that are currently threatening villages and holiday resorts, with the majority of fatalities occurring in Algeria. The fires have led to the evacuation of thousands of people, and the situation remains critical as high temperatures and dry conditions persist.
Greece is bracing for additional evacuation flights from the fire-stricken islands of Rhodes, Corfu, and Evia. The unyielding heatwave continues to exacerbate the situation, with temperatures predicted to soar above 44C (111F) in certain parts of Greece. The combination of high winds and extremely dry vegetation is making it challenging for firefighters to control the flames and establish effective firebreaks.
In Algeria, the death toll has been particularly severe, with 34 lives lost, including ten soldiers who were tragically surrounded by flames during an evacuation in the coastal province of Bejaia. The Algerian authorities have been working tirelessly, employing around 8,000 personnel, hundreds of fire trucks, and aircraft to combat the blazes. Despite significant progress, about 80% of the fires are still active, necessitating continued firefighting efforts.
The devastating impact of the fires has not been confined to Algeria alone. In Greece, the Civil Protection Ministry has issued warnings of an “extreme danger” of fire in six out of the country’s 13 regions. The island of Rhodes has seen a massive evacuation, with over 20,000 people forced to leave their homes and resorts in the south. This has significantly affected the tourism industry, which is vital for the island’s economy and many other Greek destinations.
Italy is also grappling with extreme weather events as storms have hit the north, and wildfires continue to ravage Sicily and several southern regions. In Palermo, a couple in their 70s and an 88-year-old woman lost their lives in separate fire incidents, while a 98-year-old man was found deceased in Calabria, near Sicily. The situation remains highly complex, with Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci describing it as one of the most challenging days in recent decades for the country.
As the Mediterranean region battles this unprecedented crisis, concerns grow over the influence of human-induced climate change, with climate scientists attributing this month’s intense heatwave to global warming. Authorities in affected areas are urging residents and tourists to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders to ensure their safety.
