Sweden to Dispatch Aircraft for Aid in Portuguese Wildfire Fighting, Arrival Anticipated by Sunday
Portugal Faces Severe Wildfires: Government Takes Action and Urges Public Vigilance
Portugal is currently battling severe wildfires that have been predominantly affecting northern and central districts, including Viana do Castelo, Braga, Vila Real, Guarda, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Viseu, and Bragança. The fires have resulted in casualties, injuries, evacuations, and extensive land damage, with over 64,000 hectares burned, significantly above the long-term average.
In response, the Portuguese government has deployed around 1,800 firefighters to the affected areas and issued states of alert. The Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil (ANEPC) continues active fire monitoring and firefighting efforts, with international support including firefighting aircraft from Spain.
As of early August, media reports indicate at least 19 injuries and dozens of evacuations. The authorities have also made 26 arrests related to arson, indicating concern about criminal causes of some fires. Fire danger forecasts remain high to extreme, particularly in southern and northern vulnerable regions.
Rui Rocha, the Secretary of State for Civil Protection, has been at the forefront of the government's response. He understands that local officials may want to speak to the Prime Minister or the President of the Republic, but he asks for patience in allowing him to fulfill his role as a member of the Government. Rocha emphasizes the need to ensure the safety of citizens and prevent further losses.
Rocha has also been in direct contact with local officials and has assumed responsibility as a member of the Government in the fight against fires in Portugal. He urges that all efforts should be made to reach the end of the fire period without further casualties or damage to property.
In a show of solidarity, the Swedish government will send two aircraft to support the fight against fires in Portugal. Rocha has been trying to inform himself of the entire situation in the fight against fires and reiterates his commitment to maintaining direct contact with local officials throughout the crisis.
The coming days will still demand calm and tranquility in the fight against the flames. Rocha requests that local officials allow him to assume responsibility and maintain contact with them regarding appeals. He underscores the role of the Government in guaranteeing the safety and well-being of its citizens during this challenging time.
In a tragic incident, Carlos Damaso, the former mayor of Vila Franca do Deão, died in the fight against the flames in Portugal. Rocha expressed condolences to Damaso's family. The government has also expressed condolences for the death of a man in the municipality of Guarda.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Rocha emphasizes the importance of protecting people and their property in the fight against fires. He urges that everyone should remain calm and vigilant in the coming days, which will be of great intensity, great effort, and great responsibility for all Portuguese.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Luís Montenegro visited the headquarters of the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection to discuss the ongoing crisis and the government's response. The government and emergency officials encourage public calm while emphasizing the need for vigilance and cooperation amid the ongoing wildfire crisis.
The current wildfires in Portugal have sparked concerns beyond just general news, as they intertwine with politics due to the coordinated efforts of the government and international allies in combating these crises. Notably, the Secretary of State for Civil Protection, Rui Rocha, is urging for public vigilance, acknowledging the heightened responsibility in these war-and-conflicts-like situations. The situation necessitates everyone's calm and vigilance in the coming days, mirroring the circumstances of war and conflicts.
