Aug 09 (V7N)- Five European countries—Spain, Greece, France, Portugal, and Italy—are battling devastating wildfires, with large areas engulfed in flames, Euronews reported.

In central-western Spain, strong winds have accelerated the spread of fires from forests into residential zones, prompting evacuations of local communities.

France is enduring its worst wildfires in 75 years, with at least one fatality reported in the southern Aude region. The fire has scorched approximately 160 square kilometers, causing significant property damage. Authorities describe it as the worst fire since 1949, with Prime Minister François Bayrou labeling the event a “disaster of unprecedented proportions.”

Wildfires have also impacted Greece, Portugal, Turkey, Romania, and the United Kingdom this summer. Beyond immediate destruction, the fires contribute to severe air pollution, which poses serious health risks and can spread smoke thousands of kilometers from the source.

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