Around 1,600 fire-eater have been desperately battle wildfires that break out in key Portugal early Sunday sunup . At least 62 mass have been confirmed dead , many of whom were burn in their cars as they tried to hightail it .
woods fires are common in the the Iberian peninsula during the summertime month , but today ’s model is particularly extreme . Portugal ’s choice pastor , António Costa , tell reportersthat this is “ the greatest tragedy we have seen in recent year in terms of forest fires . ”
A very sad day for#Portugal . 19 people died in a full-grown forest fire in Pedrogão Grande . Still in stupor ! 😢 pic.twitter.com/nZsgE46tC4
— Marisa Neves ( @marisaneves75)June 17 , 2017
The number of deaths is expected to rise and concord toCNN , 54 people have been injured including eight firefighters . Many more resident are being evacuated .
https://twitter.com/embed/status/876236035507859461
No foul play is currently suspect . A dry thunderstorm is think to have been the initial cause of the catastrophe . The area is live a barbarous heatwave with temperature hover around 104 degrees Fahrenheit . With no rainfall , a lightning bang belike adjust off the blaze . President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa tell theNew York Timesthat firefighters are facing a perfect tempest of “ temperature , wind , and zero humidness . ”
In recent days , Portugal has experienced numerous wildfires , but none like this . In Augustof last year , the island of Madeira was devastate by a ardour that kill three people and more than a thousand had to be evacuate from their home .
Leaders from around the world have expressed their commiseration and the regime has declare three days of internal bereavement .
[ New York Times , The Guardian , CNN ]
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