Post by : Badri Ariffin

Spain has declared a national emergency after multiple wildfires broke out near Madrid, forcing the evacuation of more than 10,000 people from the capital and the neighbouring province of Avila. Firefighters continued battling the fast-moving blazes as authorities warned that the situation remained critical.

The emergency was declared on Thursday under Spain's National Civil Protection System law, placing the response under the direct authority of the Interior Minister, who will oversee and coordinate firefighting and civil protection efforts across the affected areas. Officials said this is the first time Spain has declared a national emergency specifically because of wildfires.

According to the Interior Ministry, the decision was made because several major fires erupted at the same time, while difficult weather conditions made firefighting operations more challenging. The ministry added that the scale of the crisis required extensive resources from different public administrations, making the emergency response more complex.

Scientists have linked the increasing intensity of wildfire seasons in Spain and across much of southern Europe to climate change, with extreme summer temperatures creating favourable conditions for rapidly spreading fires.

France Evacuates Thousands as Bordeaux Wildfire Expands

France is also battling a major wildfire after flames swept through at least 2,400 hectares of land west of the city of Bordeaux in the country's southwest. Authorities said more than 10,000 people have been evacuated as firefighters work to bring the blaze under control.

The local prefecture said around 500 firefighters have been deployed to fight the fire and confirmed that no injuries had been reported.

The wildfire is burning near Arcachon Bay, a popular tourist destination where many of those evacuated were visitors staying at camping sites. Philippe de Gonneville, the mayor of Lège-Cap-Ferret, said the fire spread much faster overnight than authorities had anticipated.

Experts said heavy spring rainfall led to significant vegetation growth, which later dried out during the extreme summer heat. The dry vegetation has become highly flammable, allowing fires to spread more quickly.

Spanish Farmers Turn to Traditional Grazing to Reduce Fire Risk

As wildfires continue to threaten large parts of Spain, some farmers are increasingly relying on native livestock to reduce fire hazards. The Cachena cattle breed, locally known as "goat-cows," has regained popularity because it feeds on highly flammable shrubs such as brambles, gorse and broom, helping reduce vegetation that can carry fires into forest canopies.

China Landslide Death Toll Rises

In Chongqing, southwestern China, the death toll from the landslide triggered by torrential rain on July 17 has increased to 11. Authorities said 50 people remain missing and 10 others have been injured. Earlier reports had confirmed eight deaths and 34 missing people.

China Warns of Heavy Rain as Storm Noul Approaches

China has issued warnings for heavy rainfall and severe flood risks as Tropical Storm Noul, the third tropical cyclone to affect the region this month, moves closer to the country's southern coast.

As of Friday morning, the storm was located northeast of Manila, Philippines, and was expected to move within 800 kilometres (497 miles) of Hong Kong by the evening.

Tropical Storm Bertha Moves Inland in the US

The US National Hurricane Center said Tropical Storm Bertha moved inland near the Texas-Louisiana border, approximately 75 miles (121 kilometres) from Galveston, Texas.

The storm was packing maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 km/h) while bringing heavy rainfall across parts of coastal Texas.

Scientists Prepare Outdoor Trials of GMO Screwworm Flies

Scientists are preparing the first outdoor trials of genetically modified screwworm flies as part of efforts to combat the flesh-eating livestock parasite that has spread through Central America and into the United States. The research aims to develop a more effective method of controlling the pest.

World Bank Estimates Venezuela Earthquake Damage at $19.6 Billion

The World Bank has estimated that the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 caused $19.6 billion in direct physical damage.

The organisation said rebuilding costs could be at least twice as high after the disaster killed around 5,000 people, injured nearly 17,000, left almost 18,000 people homeless, and caused widespread destruction to homes, infrastructure and commercial buildings, including in Caracas.

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