Canada, Aug 13 (V7N) – At least three people have died and thousands have been evacuated across southern Europe as severe wildfires and scorching heatwaves grip the region. Temperatures have soared above 40°C in several countries, prompting red heat alerts in Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Greece, Turkey, Albania, Montenegro and Croatia.

The crisis extends beyond Europe, with Canada also battling massive wildfires — more than 7.3 million hectares of land have burned this year, and over 470 blazes remain out of control. Experts say climate change, driven by excessive carbon emissions, is intensifying such extreme weather events.

Spain faces one of the worst wildfire outbreaks, with forecasts of 44°C in Seville and Cordoba. Winds of up to 70 km/h have driven flames into residential areas. Over 1,000 troops are deployed to contain the fires, which claimed the life of a horse ranch worker near Madrid.

In Portugal, three major wildfires are burning, with the Trancoso region partially contained. 1,300 firefighters and 14 aircraft are on the front line. Similar extreme heat is predicted for southern Portugal.

Italy is on high alert after a child died from heat-related causes. Ten cities, including Rome, Milan and Florence, are under red warnings. France faces massive blazes, with 40,000 acres of forest burning and heat alerts covering three-quarters of the country.

Greece is battling over 150 fires, prompting evacuations from Zakynthos island and western Achaia. Turkey’s northwestern province of Canakkale has seen thousands of homes and cars destroyed, with 700 firefighters working to protect residents.

In the Balkans, wildfires have spread to Albania, Montenegro and Croatia, killing a soldier in Montenegro. The UK has also recorded its fourth heatwave of the year, with temperatures peaking at 33°C and grassfires burning more than 17 acres in London.

Officials warn that without urgent climate action, such deadly heat and fire seasons will become more frequent and severe.

END/RH/AJ