A wave of wildfires has swept across the picturesque island of Sardinia, forcing the evacuation of over 600 people and prompting urgent firefighting efforts. More than 50 separate fires are currently blazing across the Mediterranean region, driven by strong winds and high temperatures that have created a challenging firefighting environment.
The situation has been described as "truly dramatic" by local officials, who are grappling with the ferocity of the flames. "It's not a fair fight," remarked Giorgio Fresu, the town councilor of Posada, where one of the fires originated. The wildfires have raged on despite the deployment of six teams of firefighters, including 30 officers and 12 vehicles. In a bid to combat the infernos, Canadair planes dropped water on the fires, but their efforts have yielded limited results.
The crisis has prompted evacuations from cities and towns on the east coast of Sardinia, with residents of Posada among those displaced. Tourists staying at camping sites, luxury resorts, hotels, and nearby restaurants have also been asked to leave, ensuring their safety in the face of the advancing blazes.
#Sardegna, prosegue il lavoro dei #vigilidelfuoco per fronteggiare gli #incendi di vegetazione: nella notte fatti 60 interventi tra #Nuoro (video) e #Cagliari. Squadre e 3 #Canadair in azione a Gairo, Posada (NU) e a San Giovanni Suergiu (SU) [#7agosto 9:15] pic.twitter.com/RFWd9X0vGB
— Vigili del Fuoco (@vigilidelfuoco) August 7, 2023
However, not all residents heeded evacuation warnings. A woman in her 70s was injured after choosing to remain inside her home in Bolotana, a decision that led to her rescue by emergency services on August 7.
The fires have also reached a protected area that is home to hundreds of flamingos, a cherished symbol of the region. As a precautionary measure, the mayor has ordered the closure of all parks and cemeteries in a bid to prevent further destruction.
#Sicily's #wildfires and heatwave #crisis: tourist #evacuations and #Palermo airport closure
— Daryo | Central Asia & Afghanistan (@DaryoEng) July 26, 2023
🇮🇹🔥☀️
As a result, 16 cities in #Italy, including Palermo and #Catania, were put on red #alert due to the hazardous #conditions caused by the #heatwave.
🚨🇮🇹🔥
👉Details —… pic.twitter.com/ulnPuol3RL
This surge in wildfires is not an isolated incident in Italy. Just recently, Sicily was hit by devastating fires that even led to the temporary closure of key airports. The exact cause of the fires in Sardinia remains under investigation, but suspicions of arson have arisen.
Christian Solinas, the president of the region, stated that deliberate human actions cannot be ruled out as a potential cause. The mayor of Muravera, another city affected by the fires, has called for severe punishment for those found responsible for arson.
In response to these crises, the Italian government is working to introduce stricter penalties for arsonists in the country. A new draft of the legislation is expected to be presented on August 7. Under the proposed law, those who intentionally start fires in forests or woodlands would face a minimum sentence of 6 years, up from the current 4-year minimum. Accidental fire starters would be subject to jail sentences ranging from 1 to 2 years.
The wildfires in Sardinia come at a time when the region has been grappling with extreme temperatures, including a record high of 48°C reported in Jerzu just last month. Scientists emphasize that climate change is exacerbating these abnormal weather patterns, significantly elevating the risk and severity of wildfires. Researchers stress that limiting global warming to below 2°C would greatly reduce the likelihood of such devastating events.
Despite the urgency of the climate crisis, policies aimed at addressing climate change remain contentious in Italy. The wildfires in Sardinia serve as a sobering reminder of the immediate and long-term consequences of a changing climate.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Threads pages to keep up to date on world news.
Comments (0)