Portugal, Spain, fires cause victims of damage

Massive fires in central and northern Portugal that started at the weekend cost at least 31 people their lives.

Tens of the 145 fires still raging are considered serious. According to local authorities, fires in the north came from the border with Spain, from the province of Galicia, where three people have lost their lives.

Thousands of firefighters and vehicles on both sides of the border have engaged in the battle with fire hearths following hot and dry wine.

Material damage is significant in both countries, where fires have burned many dwellings and other buildings in their path. Conditions on the ground have been exacerbated by Hurricane “Ofelia”, as it approaches Europe's western coast by bringing strong winds that fuel the spread of flames.

In Portugal, the situation is very serious, with about 50 people left injured, some of them in serious condition. In Spain the situation is more affordable, but however Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rahoy travelled himself to the province of Galicia, where authorities say fires have been deliberately imposed. Local police have named the fires in Spain a terrorist act, and Prime Minister Rahoi pledged that those responsible will be brought to justice.