A forest fire in the Spanish island of La Palma has sparked a crisis, leading to the evacuation of over 500 individuals, according to authorities. This incident is the first major natural disaster on the island since the volcanic eruption that occurred in 2021. The fire originated in El Pinar de Puntagorda, a wooded area in the northern region of the Canaries, coinciding with the forecast of extreme heat in various European cities for the upcoming week.
Fernando Clavijo, the president of the Canary Islands, revealed that the fire’s advancement resulted in the destruction of at least 11 houses. Speaking at a press conference in La Palma, Clavijo emphasized that the number of evacuees could rise to 1,000, contingent on bringing the strong winds under control. The fire has already consumed approximately 140 hectares (346 acres) of land.
Efforts to combat the inferno involve four helicopters and four firefighting units, which are working tirelessly to gain control over the blaze on the island. Furthermore, authorities on La Palma are reaching out to other islands in the archipelago, such as Gomera and Tenerife, for additional assistance.
Last year, the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano resulted in the destruction of more than 2,000 structures and forced numerous individuals to flee their homes. The volcanic activity spanned three months, leaving the surrounding area covered in a thick blanket of ash.
As of now, the situation remains critical, and local authorities are actively managing the crisis to ensure the safety of residents. More updates will follow.
(Reporting by Graham Keeley; editing by Clelia Oziel)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
