European wildfires cause mass evacuations

Wildfires across Europe have led to evacuations of many villages and towns. Turkey, southern Italy and Greece are experiencing wildfires breakouts which are difficult to control. The EU is having to mobilise its biggest fire fighting response in order to prevent further outbreaks.

Southern Europe have experienced the worst heatwave in decades with temperatures rising to 113 degrees Fahrenheit. The island of Evia in Greece has been badly affected with a number of different fires impacting the north of the island in particular.

More than 2600 people have had to be evacuated from Evia as a result of the complete destruction of a number of villages, as well as the ongoing health implications being caused, by smoke and ash in the air.

Human-induced climate change is being blamed for the fires as southern European countries are experiencing more hot, dry weather during their summers. As the forecast predicts continued dry, hot conditions, people are being asked to report any fires to prevent spreading of existing fires or reignition of fires that are now under control - such as those which occurred near Athens over the past few weeks. Only time will tell as to whether the recent events will be the worst seen this summer or whether there is more devastation to come. For more on this article, check out the news report by the Guardian.