Uruguay monitors situation of nationals affected by fires in Spain

The Uruguayan government is actively monitoring the situation of its citizens affected by the severe wildfires raging across Spain. Uruguay's ambassador to Spain, Bernardo Greiver, visited 20 Uruguayan nationals sheltered near Madrid on Monday.

Sources from Uruguay's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the 20 individuals are safe. Ambassador Greiver provided them with essential items, including medicine, following instructions from President Yamandú Orsi to locate and assist those affected.

The wildfires, particularly in the central regions of Madrid, Ávila, and Toledo, as well as in the province of Castellón in the east, have displaced or confined over 171,000 people. Ávila is grappling with its most devastating fire in history, having scorched over 50,000 hectares with a perimeter of 160 kilometers, although it is beginning to lose intensity.

In the Community of Madrid, the fires have destroyed at least 25,000 hectares, with three unstable fronts posing critical risks near the San Juan reservoir and Cadalso de los Vidrios. Toledo has seen 2,000 hectares damaged. Meanwhile, the fire in La Vall d'Uixó (Castellón) has burned 7,500 hectares, leading to the confinement of approximately 75,000 people and the evacuation of 16,000 more.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warned of "difficult hours ahead" in the fight against the fires and urged extreme caution due to an incoming heatwave.