Spain: Wildfire and Flooding Situation Stabilizes

The Spanish Mediterranean coast is stabilizing after a wildfire and severe flooding. A lightning-induced wildfire in Segorbe, which ignited Thursday evening, was contained overnight, according to Valencia's civil protection. Approximately 1,000 residents evacuated from Gátova may return but are advised to stay indoors. The fire consumed 630 hectares of the rugged Sierra Calderona natural park. Difficult firefighting operations involved the military's UME, numerous fire brigades, and aerial support.

Drought and record temperatures, attributed to climate change, have made vegetation highly flammable. This year, Spain has already seen over 297,000 hectares burn across 425 wildfires, an area larger than the Saarland, according to the European Forest Fire Information System. Meanwhile, cleanup continues along the Costa Dorada following intense rainfall that measured nearly 200 liters per square meter in a few hours on Saturday morning.

The floods resulted in dozens of injuries, including a teenager in critical condition after being hit by a falling wall in Roda de Berà. Around 300 people were evacuated from campsites in Roda de Berà and nearby towns, with another 100 visitors evacuated from a nightclub in Vendrell. Roads were submerged, cars trapped in underpasses, and train services disrupted. Mudslides and fallen trees blocked routes.

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They should not stay outside for long periods but must remain in their homes.