President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his appreciation to Romania and several other countries for their assistance in combating wildfires in France, which have led to the evacuation of nearly 200,000 individuals, according to a message published on Facebook.
“Thank you to Romania, Croatia, Germany, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia for their invaluable support. This is Europe. In times of crisis, it embodies the solidarity on which it is built,” remarked the French leader, as translated by the Department for Emergency Situations.
Macron also acknowledged the national intervention forces who are “relentlessly fighting the fires.” He noted, “In these hours where flames are testing our country, France truly shows what it is: a united people that comes together and supports each other.”
Possibly the Largest Peace-Time Evacuation
The wildfires in France have resulted in the evacuation of 197,000 individuals, with tens of thousands from the Bordeaux area, according to The Guardian. This evacuation is considered “probably” the largest ever undertaken during peacetime, as stated by Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez.
“Together with the residents, all affected families, and those evacuated, whom we are thinking of at this moment, the entire nation is fully mobilized. Mayors, local representatives, and state services, including prefects and prefecture employees, are on the front lines to protect the population, provide support, and prepare for the aftermath of these fires. They can count on the unwavering support of the Republic,” the French leader added.
In France, the A400M aircraft is being deployed for the first time in firefighting operations, showcasing the adaptability of the armed forces, as described by President Macron.
“In the southwest of the country, particularly in Gironde and Landes; in the south, especially in Var, Hautes-Alpes, and Haute-Corse; in Occitania, especially in Pyrénées-Orientales, and everywhere the flames strike, thousands of hectares have been devastated, homes destroyed, activities disrupted, and lives turned upside down. We will rebuild, repair, and stand by those affected for as long as necessary,” Macron promised.
Fire Issues Also Affecting Spain
About 70,000 people have been evacuated from central Spain, marking the first time the Iberian Kingdom has declared a national state of emergency due to wildfires.
“Our thoughts also go to Spain, Italy, Greece, and all the nations facing their own wildfires,” President Macron added.
