Fires in Portugal Out of Control as Floods Cause Devastation in Eastern Europe

21/08/2005| IslamWeb

Several dozen forest fires are still out of control in Portugal as strong winds and high temperatures make the task even more difficult for emergency workers.

Nearly three thousand firefighters have been in action, backed up by more than three hundred military personnel and a substantial number of water bombers. Twelve of the country's eighteen provinces are affected.

The situation is not helped by the fact that Portugal is suffering its worst drought since records began. The country's wheat crops have been virtually wiped out, and the lack of water is hitting the tourist industry in the popular Algarve region in the south.

Some of the most dangerous fires are ravaging the countryside at Viseu and Pampilhosa da Serra in the central area of Coimbra.

There are fears one blaze could reach a hospital in Viana do Castelo in northern Portugal. Prime Minister Jose Socrates has announced the launch of a prevention plan in September, as well as financial aid for the victims.

Severe floods cause devastation in Romania

The death toll from severe floods in Romania has risen to at least 14 people. Another three are missing. The country is experiencing the result of torrential rain which has swept across the Balkans throughout the spring and summer, killing dozens of people and causing hundreds of millions of euros in damage.

Among the dead were eight people who drowned and six who were struck by lightning.

At least 200 homes have been destroyed and thousands more damaged. More than 30,000 hectares of farmland have been flooded. Many people have been evacuated and dozens of villages remain without electricity.

Thousands of wells used for drinking water have been contaminated. In further bad news, forecasters predict more rain in the coming days.

PHOTO CAPTION

A firefighter tries to put out a forest fire in the Pampilhosa da Serra mountain range near Sobral de Baixo, central Portugal, August 21, 2005. (REUTERS)