Since September 16, Portugal has faced powerful wildfires that broke out in the central and northern regions of the country.
Portugal was simultaneously engulfed in 54 wildfires. Areas around the cities of Nelas and Aveiro were particularly hard hit, with over 10,000 hectares of forest burned.
Temperatures above 86 °F, dry air, and strong winds created ideal conditions for the rapid spread of fire, making the situation extremely difficult.
More than 5,300 firefighters and hundreds of vehicles were mobilized to combat the flames, along with eight aircraft from France, Greece, Italy, and Spain.
Despite the ongoing efforts of rescuers, 70 people were forced to evacuate their homes. Two railway lines and several highways, including a section of the main road between Lisbon and Porto, were closed due to the fires.
According to official reports, seven people have died, including three firefighters. More than 150 others were injured, 12 of them seriously. Local hospitals treated victims for burns and breathing difficulties.
By September 19, rescuers had gained control over most of the wildfires in northern Portugal. A drop in temperature and rainfall helped to combat the flames. However, residents were warned about potential landslides due to upcoming heavy rains.
In just five days, the fires destroyed approximately 100,000 hectares of land. As a result of the deadly wildfires in Portugal, there was a record release of smoke and harmful substances, with plumes heading towards France and Spain.
The past week has been a serious trial for the people of Europe. While Portugal battled wildfires, other countries suffered from historic flooding caused by Cyclone Boris.
Natural disasters are rapidly increasing in intensity, and no single country can tackle them alone. Addressing this issue requires united efforts from all humanity. The forums on "Global Crisis" have proposed pathways that offer us hope and solutions to this situation.