Some European countries facing wildfires due to abnormal heat

Abnormally hot weather is prevailing in European countries, and wildfires have broken out in Greece, Switzerland, and Spain, as a result of which the authorities are evacuating residents and tourists, Report informs, citing Interfax.

The Greek newspaper Kathimerini said that a wildfire has broken out in three areas near the capital Athens, which is especially dangerous due to the difficult terrain and strong wind. The fires are due to the high temperatures, which is 44°C in the central part of the country.

According to the Associated Press, evacuations are underway from a summer camp and a rehabilitation center for the elderly in Athens. Tourists are also evacuated. The authorities also decided to evacuate residents from at least six settlements.

Forecasters warn that the next heat wave is moving towards Greece, which could lead to new forest fires.

Swiss firefighters continue to extinguish the fire that broke out in the canton of Valais on July 16. According to Western media, the police are evacuating residents of mountain villages. About 200 firefighters, soldiers, police, employees of other service agencies, and volunteers participate in localizing the fires. The Swiss police said that the fire was moving towards the Italian border.

The Guardian says that due to anomalous high temperatures, fires may occur in Sicily and Sardinia. According to the forecasts of the European Space Agency, the air temperature on the islands can reach 48 degrees, which will be a record in Europe.

According to The Guardian, a record temperature is also expected in Rome: “The temperature in Rome will rise to 43 degrees Celsius on Tuesday,” the meteorologists say. “Due to the record high temperature, the Ministry of Health of Italy announced a red (highest) warning level in 16 cities of the country, including Rome, Bologna, and Florence.”

On July 15, a fire broke out on the island of Palma in Spain. The fire is getting weaker. It covered an area of about 3,500 hectares and 20 farms. The evacuation has been carried out, and most of the evacuees have already returned to their homes.