12,000 evacuated as wildfires rage across southern France

Khaleej Times Short Score 47

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Thousands have been forced to flee as devastating wildfires continue to sweep across parts of Europe.⁠

Around 12,000 people, including 10,000 tourists, have been evacuated from south-west France as fast-moving fires tear through the Gironde region, destroying more than 2,000 hectares of land.⁠

French Authorities have:⁠
. Closed several roads⁠
. Banned the use of combustion and electric engines in forested areas⁠
. Placed the region under the highest wildfire alert⁠

The crisis comes just days after two French firefighters lost their lives battling blazes near Bordeaux Airport.⁠

Meanwhile, in Italy, a firefighter died while tackling a wildfire in Sicily, where officials say more than 350 fires have broken out, many believed to be caused by human activity.⁠

Spain is also battling multiple wildfires, with emergency crews working around the clock as extreme heat continues to fuel the flames.⁠
📹️: AFP⁠
📷: AFP / Gettyimages⁠

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