At least 11 people have died and 19 people are unaccounted for following a wildfire in southern Spain.
Emergency services are continuing the search and rescue after the wildfire in the Spanish region of Andalusia, the Andalusia's regional leader Juanma Moreno told Cadena Ser radio today.
The wildfire that occurred near Almeria has killed 11 people, and is reported as the deadliest wildfire seen in Spain in more than two decades.
Head of emergency services in Andalusia, Antonio Sanz said that 150 firefighters battled the fire to get it under control.
Sanz confirmed that the fire had started in a wooded area near Los Gallardos in Almeria and affected the nearby hamlet of Bedar.
According to RTE, authorities told locals to stay at home and the deaths occurred when people tried to evacuate their cars.
Reports have stated that four British people died in one car and seven people were found dead trying to abandon their vehicles.
Sanz has urged residents to follow instructions by officials.
Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez released a statement on the devastating wildfires. He said: “We’re feeling immense sadness and desolation in the face of the terrible consequences of the fire affecting the province of Almería,” he said. “I want to convey my condolences to the families of those who died in the Los Gallardos forest fire. My wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured and my solidarity with all the affected neighbours.”
Sánchez announced a plan to prepare the country for climate emergencies. He warned, “If we don’t want to bequeath our children a Spain that’s grey from fire and flames, or a Spain that’s brown from floods, then we need a Spain that’s greener.” The Spanish Prime Minister stated that last August's wildfires caused by extreme heat and burned through the country needed "human and technical deployment."
According to The Guardian, in the past five years 20,000 people have died due to the climate emergency.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee said that Irish people in the Spanish region of Andalusia should follow the instructions of local officials. McEntee said in a post on X, "Irish citizens affected by the wildfires who require assistance can contact the embassy on +34 91 4364093."
