The General Dutch Cycling Union (ANWB) emergency centre has received “dozens of reports” from Dutch holidaymakers, affected by the forest fires in France and Spain. These include evacuees with questions about extra costs or belongings left behind. According to a spokesperson, there are so far no reports of damage or injuries.
“Most reports are coming from the Bordeaux region”, the spokesperson says. “Some people were evacuated at a moment’s notice and had to leave everything behind”. Emergency centre Eurocross has also received multiple reports. By around 11:00 AM, the organisation had registered fifteen cases, including “a few people” who were evacuated. Eurocross as well reports no damage or injuries.
The fire raging in the northern part of the Arcachon Basin in Gironde, southwest France, has swept through more than 3,400 hectares, according to the latest figures released by the prefecture. More than 20,000 residents and tourists have been evacuated from this part already devastated by flames in 2022.
France has been battered by three heatwaves since May as part of increasingly common extreme weather episodes linked to climate change, causing excess deaths, drying up rivers and fuelling wildfires. Scientists have long warned that climate change caused by human use of fossil fuels will make periods of drought more intense and longer-lasting, creating the ideal conditions for wildfires.
ANWB advises travellers to prepare well. “Pack an emergency bag with items to help you get through the first few hours. In the event of an evacuation, you really won’t have time to grab all your belongings. And above all, follow local instructions”.
@anp | NEWSBRAINPORT
