(MENAFN) Southern Europe remains on high alert as extreme heatwaves and devastating wildfires continue to ravage the region. On Tuesday, Meteo-France issued a red alert for 14 departments in southern France, where temperatures soared to 42°C (107.6°F). The heatwave, expected to persist for several days, also amplifies the fire risk across the area.

In Spain, a series of wildfires have engulfed thousands of hectares, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes, especially in Castile, Leon, and Cadiz, as well as in residential neighborhoods north of Madrid, according to a newspaper. One deadly fire in a Madrid municipality claimed a life and scorched approximately 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres) before being contained. The country’s Interior Ministry has activated its pre-emergency plan in response to the ongoing fires, and the Spanish Meteorological Agency issued a red alert as temperatures in some regions are set to reach 44°C (111°F).

In Portugal, over 1,700 firefighters are battling four significant wildfires, media reported on Tuesday. The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere extended the orange heat alert through Thursday, with some regions bracing for temperatures as high as 44°C (111°F). Since the start of the year, wildfires in Portugal have already consumed 42,000 hectares, an area nearly five times the size of Lisbon.

Greece and Albania are also grappling with fires. In Greece’s western and Aegean regions, wildfires have forced evacuations, destroyed homes and farms, and triggered sea rescues. A newspaper reported that in Achaia, rapidly spreading fires reached residential areas, cutting off roads near Patras. On Chios Island, dozens stranded on beaches were rescued by the coast guard.

Greek officials have declared a state of emergency, with firefighting teams fully mobilized as extreme heat and strong winds continue to exacerbate the situation. Late Tuesday, Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis confirmed that evacuations of health centers in Kato Achaia and Thesprotiko had been completed. Several patients with respiratory issues and minor burns have been transferred to hospitals and shelters.

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