Annual losses of fires in Southern Europe, are estimated at between 13 and 21 billion euros, according to a study published in ScienceDirect.com. Results of the study shows they have negatively impacted tourism and related sectors, including insurance and real estate.
This as wildfires rage in Spain’s northwest and western areas. Galicia is the most affected area, where about 27,000 people were evacuated, as the fires have engulfed some 373,000 hectares.
The Spanish government said over the weekend, it had deployed an additional 500 soldiers, to join 1,400 troops, currently fighting fires.
Climate experts say extreme heat has fuelled the fire.