RHODES: The Mediterranean region is grappling with a scorching heatwave, as deadly wildfires continue to rage across several nations, claiming dozens of lives and forcing thousands to evacuate. Greece, Croatia, Italy, and Algeria have been hit by devastating fires, exacerbated by the extreme heat and dry conditions brought about by human-caused climate change.
In northeast Algeria, the inferno proved fatal, claiming 34 lives, leaving survivors like Taous Timizar recounting tales of devastation and loss. Witnesses described fleeing walls of flames that resembled a “blowtorch,” while charred cars, burnt-out shops, and smoldering landscapes bore testimony to the destructive path of the fires.
Scientists from the World Weather Attribution group have linked the intensity of the heatwaves sweeping through parts of Europe and North America this month to climate change, making such extreme temperatures almost impossible without human influence.
Soaring Heatwave in Greece
Greece has been battling over 600 fires in the past 12 days, an unprecedented challenge for the nation. The fires have been particularly severe on the tourist islands of Rhodes, Corfu, and Evia. The Greek government, along with the support of the European Union’s civil protection mechanism, has deployed over 490 firefighters and seven planes to tackle the blazes.
The situation remains critical in Greece, with temperatures soaring between 43-46 degrees Celsius (109-115 degrees Fahrenheit) in central and southern regions. The fire department is facing an uphill battle against both ongoing fires and the possibility of new outbreaks, with meteorological forecasts predicting thunderstorms for Thursday.
Italy, too, has been grappling with wildfires, with Sicily witnessing fierce battles as flames approached Palermo airport, leading to temporary shutdowns. In the north, violent storms caused fatalities, including a tragic incident involving a 16-year-old girl during a camping trip.
Croatia has also experienced a dangerous wildfire near the southern city of Dubrovnik, further fueled by strong winds that posed a challenge for firefighters. Reports indicate that the fire triggered explosions of landmines in the area, reminding the region of the scars left by past conflicts.
As the Mediterranean nations continue to confront these wildfires and extreme weather conditions, international efforts to address climate change and bolster disaster response mechanisms have become increasingly urgent. The impact of these fires highlights the importance of collective action in safeguarding communities and natural landscapes from the growing threats of climate-related disasters.
