Wildfires are breaking out across Spain and Portugal amid a heatwave exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
As of 17th (local time), according to Reuters and others, around 20 major wildfires are spreading across Spain. In the northwestern region of Galicia, severe wildfires have resulted in the closure of some highway sections and the suspension of railway operations.
With the worst wildfires in the last 20 years spreading mainly in the western regions of Spain, three people have died from wildfires nationwide just last week, and over 115,000 hectares of forest land have burned.
The Spanish government, which had already deployed 1,400 troops to fight the wildfires, has urgently sent an additional 500 to support firefighters in their efforts.
The record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures soaring over 40 degrees Celsius, is making firefighting even more difficult. As of 17th, some areas in Spain forecasted a maximum daytime temperature of 45 degrees.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said, "The climate emergency that devastates the world is accelerating and becoming more serious, and it is occurring more frequently on the Iberian Peninsula. Unfortunately, the weather is not on our side."
Spain's neighboring country, Portugal, is also struggling with severe wildfires. In Portugal, eight wildfires are spreading, particularly in central and northern regions, including the major tourist area of Figueira da Foz.