London: Europe is facing its fifth heatwave of the summer, resulting in prolonged periods of extreme heat and dryness in many countries. This not only disrupts daily life but also exacerbates existing drought conditions and fuels wildfires in several areas.
According to Thai News Agency, many countries across Europe are grappling with extreme heat and soaring temperatures, particularly in England, where residents and tourists in London sought refuge from the sun under trees and in air-conditioned areas after temperatures soared to 37 degrees Celsius in the south, east, and parts of central England. The Met Office stated that significantly less rainfall combined with high temperatures has led to a sudden drought, with England and Wales experiencing their driest July in 190 years.
The drought crisis has affected around 45 million people in England who are living in drought-stricken areas, and another 27 million have had their water usage restricted. Meanwhile, public health officials revealed last month that approximately 2,877 people have died this year from heat-related causes.
Meanwhile, in southern Europe, a prolonged heatwave has resulted in extremely dry weather conditions, creating highly flammable environments. In Greece, a severe wildfire broke out near a tourist area in the Halkidiki region in the north of the country. Strong winds caused the fire to rapidly destroy homes and trees near the resort.
Residents and tourists in the Greek town of Sivori were forced to wear face masks, carry children and pets, and evacuate by sea in rubber boats and commercial vessels as thick smoke turned the sky dark gray and flames spread to resort buildings. More than 300 people have already been evacuated from the area by naval patrols, fireboats, and fishing vessels.
Authorities mobilized over 140 firefighters, along with 9 aircraft and 7 helicopters, to quickly control the blaze on both sides of the main road to ensure the safe evacuation of residents. One firefighter was reported injured.
The wildfire situation has spread to Croatia, with fires erupting along the Dalmatian coast. This has resulted in the closure of some major highways near the town of -mic as the flames approached communities and forested areas. Firefighters are urgently evacuating residents from high-risk areas.