Portugal's Wildfire Crisis: Reinforcements Arrive Amid Calamity

Severe wildfires in central and northern Portugal have overwhelmed emergency services, leading to the arrival of reinforcements from Spain and Morocco. At least seven deaths have been reported, numerous homes destroyed, and thousands of hectares burned. The government has declared a state of calamity and requested assistance under the EU civil protection mechanism.

Deadly wildfires in central and northern Portugal have overwhelmed emergency services, prompting reinforcements from Spain and Morocco. According to the civil protection authority, at least seven people have died and numerous homes have been destroyed.

Duarte Costa told CNN Portugal that a specialized emergencies team of 230 Spanish military personnel would be deployed in the central Viseu district on Wednesday. Morocco will also send up to four heavy water-bombing aircraft.

Spain, Italy, and France had already sent water-bombing aircraft after Portugal sought help under the EU civil protection mechanism. The situation remains dire, with many fires caused by arsonists, and the government has declared a state of calamity in affected municipalities.

(With inputs from agencies.)