Macron calls crisis meeting as wildfires close in on Bordeaux
French president Emmanuel Macron has called an emergency meeting as firefighters battle flames around the southwestern city of Bordeaux. The wildfires in France and Spain displaced more than 330.000 residents.
The inter-ministerial crisis meeting, which involves Macron’s cabinet ministers, is scheduled for July 27 in the morning, French media outlet BFMTV reported. A day earlier, the French president said the government would be «there for as long as it takes» to rebuild areas affected by the wildfires.
The news comes as wildfires approach the southwestern city of Bordeaux and the surrounding region, known as France’s winemaking heartland. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the situation there as «very unfavourable,» adding the fire was moving «erratically.»
Overnight on July 26, around 55,000 people were evacuated from villages near the neighbouring Gironde region. The prefecture said the fire was «generally stable.»
When did the wildfires start
Wildfires raged across Europe over the past week, with France and Spain being the worst affected countries, where more than 330,000 people have been evacuated. In France, the burning areas in the south-west have already been described as the largest forest fire since World War II.
This week, temperatures are likely to rise again in the hardest-hit areas with no showers in sight.
From economics and politics to business, technology and culture, Kursiv Uzbekistan brings you key news and in-depth analysis from Uzbekistan and around the world. To stay up to date and get the latest stories in real time, follow our Telegram channel.
