More than 360,000 evacuated as wildfires rage in France and Spain

Wildfires are raging across parts of France and Spain, forcing more than 360,000 people to flee their homes as successive heatwaves create ideal conditions for the blazes to spread.

In France's southwestern Gironde region, officials reported that 55,000 people were evacuated overnight on Sunday. The region has already lost around 42,000 hectares (103,780 acres) of land to one of the largest wildfires the country has experienced since World War II. In total, approximately 250,000 people have been evacuated from Gironde.

The flames are advancing towards Bordeaux, a renowned wine-growing port city. Mayor Thomas Cazenave stated that the city is prepared to accommodate evacuated individuals who lack alternative housing.

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We are prepared to welcome in the best possible conditions all the evacuated individuals who have no backup housing solution.

Spain has also declared a national emergency, with over 116,000 people evacuated due to fires west of Madrid and in the Valencia region. Firefighters discovered an elderly man deceased in his car on Saturday. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez noted that around 130,000 hectares have already burned in Spain this year, warning of "complex times ahead."

European authorities are struggling to contain the fires, with teams in some areas lacking adequate capacity and resources. This situation has fueled concerns about the preparedness for future wildfires, which are expected to intensify as temperatures rise. The World Meteorological Organization reported that last month was the hottest June on record for western Europe and the second-warmest globally, with both Germany and the UK experiencing record-breaking temperatures for three consecutive days.

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Complex times ahead.