LISBON (Multibagger) - The European Union sent two water bombing planes from Spain to the Portuguese island of Madeira on Thursday to help efforts to put out a wildfire that has been raging for eight days.
The blaze, which started on Aug. 14, has seared nearly 5,000 hectares (12,355 acres) of vegetation, mostly in mountainous areas with steep slopes and difficult access. Portugal requested assistance via the EU civil protection mechanism RescEU. EU authorities provided the two Canadair planes and said the bloc stood ready to deploy additional resources if necessary.
Regional government chief Miguel Albuquerque said the planes would join the firefighting effort on Thursday afternoon. "These planes, which dump 6,000 litres of water, will be only used to tame the fire in the central mountain range. They cannot be utilised in urban or agricultural areas," he told the state broadcaster RTP.
Firefighters, backed by a dozen vehicles and a helicopter were tackling the blaze in the central mountain range and in Ponta do Sol, on the southern coast. Both fronts are on high ground and away from residential areas.
The Atlantic island of Madeira - an autonomous region of Portugal with around 250,000 residents that is a popular tourist destination - has been on alert for high temperatures and risk of wildfires for days. Rising global temperatures due to climate change have led to more frequent wildfires, from Southern and Eastern Europe to North America and parts of Asia.
Analysis:
The European Union's swift response to the wildfire on the Portuguese island of Madeira highlights the importance of international cooperation in tackling natural disasters. The deployment of water bombing planes from Spain demonstrates the EU's commitment to assisting member states in times of crisis.
Climate change is a major factor contributing to the increase in wildfires worldwide, and this incident serves as a reminder of the urgent need for global action to address environmental challenges. The impact of wildfires extends beyond the immediate destruction of land and property, affecting ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.
As individuals, it is crucial to stay informed about climate-related events and support initiatives that promote sustainability and resilience. By working together to combat climate change, we can help protect our planet and ensure a safer future for all.