Portugal calls for help from European Union (EU) as wildfires are spreading devastation across the country. On Monday, Portugal formally asked for assistance under the European Civil Protection Mechanism. Fires continue to spread especially in the Aveiro district.
Wildfire is getting more worse due to high temperature and strong winds that is making it difficult for local authorities to contain the situation.
The European Commission confirmed the request of Portugal. They stated that they are working to provide the resources Portugal needs. While they did not have provide any information about the support yet.
Read More About: Portuguese Army Deployed As Portugal Declares High Alert Amid Growing Wildfire Threat
Wildfire In Aveiro District
The fires are really severe in the Aveiro area, especially in Albergaria-a-Velha where homes have been destroyed and people have been damaged. Authorities have shut down three major highways; A1, A25, and A29 due to the fires which are spreading fast.
Fires are also getting worse in Sever do Vouga and Oliveira de Azeméis. Local firefighters are continuously working to their limits to control the fire. It is clear that the country needs reinforcements to handle the growing crisis.
Firefighting Aircraft From EU Countries
Portugal calls for help did not go unheard. The EU has activated its Civil Protection Mechanism and they are sending 8 firefighting aircraft from Spain, France, Italy, and Greece.
Planes from Spain were already on their way by mid-afternoon on Monday. These aircrafts include the heavy duty water bombers and they are expected to bring needed relief to the exhausted firefighting teams on the ground.
These reinforcements are very critical to getting the situation under control because wildfire is continuing to spread due to high temperature.
Weather Conditions
The weather is not doing Portugal any favors. Meteorologists from Portugal’s National Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) have alert the authorities that the wildfires risk will increase from Wednesday.
Increasing temperatures and strong winds across the mainland are making the situation more worse. Parts of northern and central Portugal are expected to experience higher than usual September temperatures particularly along the coast.
The districts of Porto, Setúbal, Viana do Castelo, Lisbon, Leiria, Aveiro, Coimbra, and Braga are under a yellow weather warning that is indicating an increasing fire risk until Tuesday. This warning may extend if the situation does not improve soon.
Water Shortage In Portugal
Portugal is now facing the issues of water shortages in addition to the fire danger. The fires are consuming massive amounts of water. The mayor of Aveiro has urged residents, farmers, and businesses to cut their water use to the bare minimum especially in areas where fires are raging.
There is also concern that ash from the fires could affect the Carvoeiro Central Supply Station which may force authorities to shut off the water supply to parts of Aveiro.
Firefighting Efforts Against The Wildfires
Portugal’s Civil Protection is doing everything possible to keep people safe as the fires continuous to spread. At a press conference, Civil Protection commander André Fernandes revealed that authorities were currently managing 92 emergency situations including 36 active fires.
So far, 18 people have been injured with some suffering from exhaustion. Six of those injured are Civil Protection personnel. The fires also have claimed a life.
One of the firefighters from the São Mamede de Infesta Volunteer Fire Brigade, João Silva, died on Monday. He was 60 years old and had stopped putting out fires in Oliveira de Azeméis to take a break. He had a heart attack and could not be saved..
In an official statement from the president website:
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has already spoken on the phone to the widow and the Commander of the Fire Brigade, sending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, expressing his solidarity with close friends and, in particular, with the São Mamede de Infesta Volunteer Fire Brigade
Luís Montenegro, the prime minister, also spoke out by expressing a message on social media. He said:
On behalf of myself and the government, I leave our deepest condolences to his family, friends and fellow firefighters
In the press release, the Ministry of Internal Affairs said that:
At this time of great consternation and mourning, the Ministry of Internal Affairs would like to express its heartfelt words of solidarity and sincere condolences to his family, friends, the São Mamede de Infesta Volunteer Fire Brigade and all the firefighters and civil protection agents who are fighting fires in Portugal at this very moment and always.
The disappearance of João Manuel dos Santos Silva is yet another national example of someone who gave his life for his neighbour and to whom Portugal owes a heartfelt tribute.
There is a hope that the wildfire is soon be controlled as more aircraft arrive to help Portugal battle the fires. The weather forecast suggests that the worst may not be over yet. Portugal remains on high alert. The next few days will be very important as firefighters work to put out the fires and help people who have been fell by this horrible natural disaster.
