LONDON – Europe is facing its fifth heatwave of the summer, with prolonged extreme heat and dry conditions worsening drought and fuelling wildfires across several countries. In Britain, temperatures reached 37°C in parts of southern, eastern and central England, prompting residents and tourists in London to seek shade and air-conditioned spaces. The UK Met Office said sharply reduced rainfall combined with high temperatures had contributed to rapid-onset drought conditions, with England and Wales recording their driest July in 190 years.
The drought has left about 45 million people in England living in areas affected by drought conditions, while another 27 million face restrictions on water use. Health authorities reported last month that around 2,877 deaths this year had been linked to extreme heat. In southern Europe, prolonged heat and dry conditions have created tinderbox conditions for wildfires. Greece has been particularly affected, with a major blaze spreading near the popular Halkidiki tourist region in the north. Strong winds drove the fire rapidly through vegetation and residential areas around resorts.
Residents and tourists in Siviri were forced to flee by sea, carrying children and pets aboard inflatable boats and commercial vessels as thick smoke darkened the sky and flames reached holiday properties. The navy, firefighting vessels and fishing boats helped evacuate more than 300 people.
More than 140 firefighters, nine aircraft and seven helicopters were deployed to battle the blaze on both sides of a major road and protect evacuation routes. One firefighter was reported injured.
Wildfires have also spread in Croatia, where fires along the Dalmatian coast forced the closure of sections of a major highway near Omiš after flames approached residential areas and roadside forests. Firefighters were deployed to evacuate residents from threatened areas. The continuing heatwave is placing pressure on water supplies, public health and emergency services across Europe while increasing the risk of further wildfires during the peak summer travel season. (TNA)
