Workers will receive safeguards under a new directive, aiming to shield them from hazards connected to radiation exposure, as approved by the Commission.
Portugal Battles Wildfires: International Aid Requested
Portugal is currently grappling with a series of large wildfires that have been ongoing for over three weeks, primarily in central and northern regions. The fires, which started around early August, have yet to be fully controlled, with the situation exacerbated by high temperatures and strong winds.
The wildfires have taken a tragic toll, claiming at least one life on August 15, 2020, in Guarda, in the east of the country. Carlos Dâmaso, the former mayor of the municipality of Guarda, lost his life while fighting a fire in his commune. The President of the Republic expressed sincere condolences for Dâmaso's death and asked that his condolences be conveyed to the family.
In response to the ongoing wildfires, the Portuguese government activated the European Union's civil protection mechanism, seeking international assistance. The activation led to the request for four Canadair planes to aid in fighting the blazes. The deployment of these planes is scheduled to remain on national territory until August 18, as announced by the presidency of the Republic.
The European Union's civil protection mechanism has been activated to assist Portugal in fighting the wildfires, with support also coming from European partners and Morocco. The four Canadair planes are part of this international aid, reflecting coordinated efforts to contain the fires.
As the fires continue to rage, the President of the Republic has interrupted his vacation to monitor the "serious situation of rural fires" in Portugal. He has returned to the country to continue overseeing the firefighting efforts.
The wildfires in Portugal are part of one of the country’s worst wildfire seasons in recent history, with widespread damage reported nationwide. The government has declared a nationwide state of alert and implemented strict preventive measures, such as bans on forest access, agricultural burns, and fireworks, to reduce fire risks. Firefighting efforts involve thousands of firefighters, supported by aircraft, heavy machinery, and the Armed Forces.
[1] European Union's Inciweb: [https://www.inciweb.eu/incident/7142/] [2] The Weather Channel: [https://www.weather.com/storms/wildfire/news/extreme-heat-wildfires-europe-2020]
- The ongoing wildfires in Portugal, taking a tragic toll and causing widespread damage, are topics of discussion in environmental science and general news, highlighting the significant role science plays in understanding and addressing climate change.
- As the wildfires in Portugal continue to pose a threat, the situation is not only a matter of concern for the Portuguese government but also attracts attention from the international community, with politics playing a role in the coordination of international aid.
- The coordinated efforts to contain the wildfires in Portugal, involving the deployment of international aid like the four Canadair planes, are examples of environmental science and politics working together to combat the devastating effects of climate change on our environment.
