EU Council President mourns victims of deadly Spain wildfires, pledges continued support

Europe-Asia, Weather

BRUSSELS, Belgium (NPA) — European Council President António Costa has expressed condolences to the people of Spain following the devastating wildfires that swept through Almería in the southern region of Andalusia, as Europe continues to grapple with extreme heat and worsening climate-related disasters.

In a statement on Friday, Costa said his thoughts were with the families of those who lost loved ones in one of Spain’s deadliest wildfire disasters in recent years.

“My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the tragic wildfires in Almería, Andalusia,” Costa said.

He noted that extreme weather events and wildfires are placing enormous pressure on emergency services and healthcare systems across Europe.

According to Costa, the European Union will continue supporting member states by strengthening disaster prevention and preparedness, investing in climate resilience and ensuring a coordinated response to emergencies.

“As these events place enormous strain on emergency services and healthcare systems, the European Union will continue to stand with Member States by strengthening prevention and preparedness, investing in resilience and ensuring that our collective response to climate-related disasters is swift, coordinated and effective,” he said.

Costa also commended firefighters, rescue workers and emergency personnel battling the blazes, while praising EU member states assisting one another through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

“I am deeply grateful to the emergency teams working tirelessly on firefighting and rescue operations, and to the Member States demonstrating European solidarity by supporting one another in responding to these emergencies,” he added.

Newpost Africa reports that at least 11 people have been confirmed dead with 19 others missing, after fast-moving wildfires swept through the Los Gallardos area of Almería Province amid temperatures exceeding 40°C, as strong winds and extremely dry conditions ravage parts of Europe.

The blaze, described as one of the deadliest in Andalusia’s history, forced hundreds of residents to flee and prompted a massive emergency response involving firefighters, military personnel and aerial firefighting assets.

Officials warned that the death toll could rise as rescue teams continue searching for those still missing.

The tragedy comes as Europe experiences another intense heatwave, with climate experts warning that rising temperatures and prolonged drought are increasing the frequency and intensity of wildfires across the continent.