article_detail

At least 11 people have died in a wildfire tearing through the town of Los Gallardos in the province of Almería. The 112 emergency services in Andalucia had initially put the death toll at 12, but the Minister of the Presidency, Health and Emergencies, Antonio Sanz, later revised that figure down to 11.

 

The scale of the disaster has left officials describing scenes of absolute devastation, with the fire advancing at a speed few had anticipated. Difficulties on the main evacuation routes forced many residents to flee via secondary roads instead.

 

It's still too early to say for certain what caused the fire, although initial hypotheses point to a power line as the likely source, with flames then spreading rapidly through the surrounding forest. Some of those who died were found trapped in their cars after attempting to escape along alternative routes.

 

The blaze has now become the deadliest wildfire of the 21st century.

 

 

Mr Sanz called for the utmost caution, explaining that "All personnel from the Infoca plan, health services, security forces, firefighters, local councils and other administrations are fighting with all their might, with all available means and resources, to combat this fire and try to mitigate its serious consequences."

 

The Military Emergency Unit has deployed 150 personnel to help tackle the flames, joining an extensive regional operation that includes around 150 workers, 16 forest fire brigades, operations and firefighting technicians, four fire engines and medical and command units.

 

Residents of Almocáizar, Fuente del Albarico, Los Pinos, La Serena, El Pinar de Bédar and the Miraflores tourist complex remain evacuated from their homes. The A-7 motorway has been closed northbound between kilometres 709 and 714, along with the N-340A national highway near the site of the fire.

 

Andalucia's 112 emergency services activated a helpline early on Friday morning, July 10, for the families of those affected. The Psychological Intervention Group in Emergencies and Disasters is offering emotional support and information to victims' families and others impacted by the fire on 677 904 624.

 

 

Image: EMA Infoca