Portugal Faces Deadly Wildfires as Toll Rises to Seven

Portugal is grappling with devastating wildfires that have claimed seven lives, including three firefighters who perished in the Coimbra region, Arab News reported today.

Over 4,500 firefighters, supported by 1,000 vehicles and 20 aircraft, are battling approximately 50 active fires, with the northern Aveiro region experiencing the worst damage, scorching around 10,000 hectares. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has warned of challenging days ahead, as the country remains under a fire alert.

Local residents are actively participating in firefighting efforts, while authorities have called for additional support from the EU’s civil protection mechanism. Recent weather conditions have posed the highest fire risk since 2001, exacerbated by climate change factors, according to experts.