Forest fires in Portugal turn into a disaster: 7 people lost their lives

Forest fires that have been ongoing since last weekend in the northern and central regions of Portugal continue to have an impact. Authorities announced that 7 people have lost their lives so far.

Information provided to the press by Portugal's National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority reported that more than 60 thousand hectares of forest land have burned so far and that fires are currently continuing at 65 locations.

It was stated that the fires have caused the deaths of 7 people, including 3 firefighters, and that the number of injured has risen to 50.

HEAVY PENALTIES WILL BE IMPOSED ON THOSE WHO CAUSE FIRES

Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro convened the Council of Ministers for an extraordinary meeting, taking decisions to increase precautionary measures against fires and ensure rapid and effective intervention afterward, while also announcing that penalties for those who cause fires will be increased.

On the other hand, it was reported that about 5 thousand people are working to combat the fires, with support from 1700 ground vehicles and 29 aircraft from the air.

Authorities, who announced that thousands of people were evacuated from their homes as a precaution, especially in the Aveiro region south of the northern city of Porto, stated that 7 highways are being kept closed to traffic.

The government had extended the state of alert it announced on September 15 against forest fires until midnight on September 19.

News Source: AA