Flame engulfs 5,000 acres of vegetation on Madeira Island.
A fiery catastrophe on Portugal's Madeira island has scorched over 5,000 hectares of flora. Officials reported that two out of every three fire fronts have been tamed since the inferno ignited on Wednesday. "Luckily, there have been no fatalities reported yet," stated Miguel Albuquerque, president of the regional government, at a press briefing. Neither residential properties nor vital infrastructure have been ruined.
The fire began in the municipality of Ribeira Brava on Wednesday, eventually consuming neighboring municipalities like Câmara de Lobos and Ponta do Sol, situated on the south coast, westward from the island's main city, Funchal.
Nurtured by wind and heat, the flames ventured into rugged, impassable terrain, posing a threat to settlements. This led to the deployment of approximately 200 firefighters. Around 160 residents had to relocate temporarily on Sunday due to smoke inhalation concerns. Since then, they've been able to return to their domiciles.
Câmara de Lobos' mayor, Leonel Silva, declared on Monday that the persisting fire fronts in his municipality were being managed. "The fire is almost out," he stated, as per Lusa news agency. Meanwhile, another blaze lingered in Ponta do Sol's municipality but posed no danger to residents, according to mayor Célia Pessegueiro.
Portuguese authorities announced on Saturday that they would dispatch 76 firefighters and rescue personnel to bolster efforts on Madeira. The island, positioned nearby Morocco's coastline, is well-known as a sought-after tourist destination.
The fiery destruction has sadly reached the rugged cliffs and pristine beaches of several neighborhoods on the Island of Madeira. Despite the challenges, the island's unique flora and fauna continue to endure, showing resilience amidst the calamity.
