More than 300,000 evacuated as historic wildfires worsen in France and Spain
Over 300,000 people have been evacuated due to European wildfires, while emergency operations continue in Messina and Kumamoto.
Devastating wildfires in southern Europe have forced more than 300,000 people to evacuate across France and Spain as authorities prepare for further temperature increases. In southwestern France, officials ordered the distribution of 1.5 million FFP2 masks to protect residents from thick smoke near Bordeaux, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized that saving lives remains the top priority as flames threaten the Madrid region.
Meanwhile, emergency crews in Messina, Italy, continue searching for at least seven missing individuals after an explosion caused a building to collapse in the Pistunina district, leaving three people hospitalized.
In Japan, rescue operations remain active at the Aeon Mall in Kashima following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed 13 deaths, with over 9,000 residents moved to emergency shelters.
Sources: Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero.
Sources
Earlier coverage
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- Jul 31, 2026, 08:30 AM UTCDeath toll rises in Japan earthquake as wildfires displace thousands in Europe
- Jul 30, 2026, 08:30 PM UTCBuilding collapses in Messina following explosion as disasters hit Europe and Japan
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- Jul 30, 2026, 02:30 PM UTCSpanish authorities declare end of wildfire national emergency as Mediterranean blazes continue
- Jul 29, 2026, 08:00 PM UTCJapan quake death toll reaches 13 while wildfires force mass evacuations in Europe