Wildfires Across Europe: Where Are They Spread & Should Tourists Cancel Their Flights.
The European countries – very beloved summer destinations for millions of people every year have encountered extreme weather conditions this season, which not only is impacting tourism but also threatening the lives of residents.
While some regions are dealing with raging wildfires, some others are experiencing heavy rains and landslides, indicating that holidaymakers should consider their destination carefully this season.
In order to have a fun, relaxing and safe vacation, tourists are advised to check and be informed about their destination country. SchengenVisaInfo.com has compiled a list of countries that are experiencing difficult weather and how tourism is being affected by these changes.
Greece
Nearly 20,000 residents and tourists were evacuated after a wildfire started in many of the country’s islands. It is estimated that ten to 20 per cent of Rhodes Island has been burned during this period, with villages of Kiotari, Pefki, Gennadi, Lindos, Kalathos and Lardos.
According to Metro.co.uk, the primary fires were detected near Larissa in the north, Evia and Athens in the west and Messini in the south.
The authorities had declared an emergency state in Rhodes last week, although the last week’s national emergency revealed that there are no fires in Rhodes, Crete or Corfu. Regardless, the risk of further fires remains.
Italy
As of this week, wildfires have been spreading on the island of Sardinia, while the Cagliari and Nuoro Provinces have also been impacted. Italian authorities have revealed that there are 28 and 16 active fires in these two provinces, respectively.
Previously, a fire near Palermo caused three casualties, while Palermo Airport was shut down due to the wildfires burning in the nearby area.
On the other hand, it was recently reported that a hailstorm has hit the Friuli – Venezia Giulia region in the country, covering roads entirely. There was also floodwater in Reana del Rojale and Tarcento.
Portugal
Alentejo and the Algarve have been the most affected by wildfires, while authorities say the situation is under control. More specifically, these are the areas where firefighters are trying to put down the blaze:
- União das Freguesias de Beja in central region
- Vila Nova de Cerveira on the northern border with Spain,
- Parque Das Nações in Lisbon,
- Fátima, located between Lisbon and Coimbra
The authorities warn that the risk of wildfires remains but on the other hand, Faro Airport in the Algarve region continues operating flights as always. It is best to be constantly updated with official sources of information before going on a trip to Portugal at this present time.
Spain
The authorities have issued alerts for extreme heat for parts of southern Spain, while weather services say this could be the hottest summer in the last seven decades.
The highest temperatures occurred in Andalusia, according to data from AEMET shortly before 7 pm, in addition to those recorded in Roda de Andalucia at 44.6 degrees Celsius, and at the Granada airport where the temperature reached 44.1 Celsius.
In addition, Spain is threatened by wildfire coming from its neighbouring country of Portugal as a wildfire in the bordering zone has been brought under control but not entirely shut.
Deadly Storms in the Rest of Europe Also Putting a Pause on Tourism Season
While southern Europe has been dealing with wildfires, the rest of Europe has been having an entirely different weather state – deadly storms, hailstorms, landslides and considerably cooler temperatures, which isn’t ideal for holidaymakers either.
Two people fell victim to flooding in southern Norway while 600 people were evacuated from the affected area, with transportation also being affected. In addition, Gothenburg harbour was flooded and a passenger train derailed in Sweden, injuring three people.
High waves washed away several houses near a beach in Denmark while a person died after a falling tree hit Lithuania, following strong winds.
Slovenia on the other hand, has recorded the worst case of floods in the recent week, with its PM calling it “the biggest natural disaster” in its history, as three casualties were recorded and damages of hundred million euros were caused.
Travellers to Europe are highly advised to purchase travel insurance to be protected from unexpected expenses, which minimises financial damage if they are exposed to such natural disasters. Based on customer feedback, satisfaction and experience, Allianz Travel Insurance, AXA Travel Insurance, Europ Assistance, Mondial Care, Mutuaide, and DR-WALTER, offer some of the best deals for travel insurance to Europe.
