LEIRIA/LONDON: While flames scorched territory in France, Spain, and Portugal on Friday, authorities in Europe issued health warnings for the impending heatwave.
Since Tuesday, more than 1,000 firemen and water-bomber aircraft in southwestern France have fought to contain two fires that have been stoked by the extreme heat, tinder-box conditions, and strong winds. Although temperatures in Portugal decreased slightly, they were still predicted to reach as high as 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in some locations, according to officials.
Five districts were placed on red alert, and more than 1,000 firefighters were battling 17 wildfires. The environment ministry in Spain announced that it was assisting in putting out 17 wildfires around the nation.The Po, Italy’s longest river, was reduced to little more than a trickle in some parts by the worst drought in more than 70 years.
With temperatures set to soar next week, Italy has declared a state of emergency along the Po, which supports approximately a third of the nation’s agricultural production. This comes after the country experienced its hottest July since 1800.
With warnings issued for worse to come in Britain in particular, officials are concerned about the consequences of the searing heat on people’s health and on healthcare systems already struggling with the COVID-19 outbreak.
The World Meteorological Organization predicted that the heatwave would make the air even worse, particularly in urban areas.
