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WILDFIRES

Europe facing record year for wildfire destruction: EU

Europe's blistering summer may not be over yet, but 2022 is already breaking records, with nearly 660,000 hectares ravaged since January, according to the EU's satellite monitoring service.

Published: 14 August 2022 08:47 CEST
Firefighters douse smouldering rubbles in a burnt house in spain
Firefighters douse smouldering rubbles in a burnt house after a wildfire in the Valle del Arlanza, near Burgos in Spain on July 25, 2022. (Photo by CESAR MANSO / AFP)

And while countries on the Mediterranean have normally been the main seats of fires in Europe, this year, other countries are also suffering heavily.

Fires this year have forced people to flee their homes, destroyed buildings and burned forests in EU countries, including Austria, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain.

Some 659,541 hectares (1.6 million acres) have been destroyed so far, data from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) showed, setting a record at this point in the year since data collection began in 2006.

Europe has suffered a series of heatwaves, forest fires and historic drought that experts say are being driven by human-induced climate change.

They warn more frequent and longer heatwaves are on the way.

The worst-affected country has been Spain, where fire has destroyed 244,924 hectares, according to EFFIS data.

The EFFIS uses satellite data from the EU’s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS).

READ ALSO: EXPLAINED: How the climate crisis is hitting Europe hard

The data comes after CAMS said Friday that 2022 was a record year for wildfire activity in southwestern Europe and warned that a large proportion of western Europe was now in “extreme fire danger”.

“2022 is already a record year, just below 2017,” EFFIS coordinator Jesus San-Miguel said. In 2017, 420,913 hectares had burned by August 13, rising to 988,087 hectares by the end of the year.

“The situation in terms of drought and extremely high temperatures has affected all of Europe this year and the overall situation in the region is worrying, while we are still in the middle of the fire season,” he said.

Since 2010, there had been a trend towards more fires in central and northern Europe, with fires in countries that “normally do not experience fires in their territory”, he added.

“The overall fire season in the EU is really driven mainly by countries in the Mediterranean region, except in years like this one, in which fires also happen in central and northern regions,” he added.

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WEATHER

What to do when a flood warning is issued in Sweden

Sweden faces a growing risk of flooding as global warming leads to more unpredictable weather patterns. That's why it's important to know what you can do to minimise potential flood-related damages.

Published: 24 July 2024 14:58 CEST
What to do when a flood warning is issued in Sweden

Extreme weather is becoming more common worldwide due to climate change, and Sweden is no exception.

READ MORE: Rain and floods: How global heating could alter Nordic summers

While there isn’t much one can do about the weather itself, by staying informed and taking proactive measures, you can better protect yourself, your family, and your valuables from the increasing risk of flooding in the country.

What you need to know about Sweden’s weather warning system

The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) issues weather warnings on a three-point scale: yellow, orange, and red, each indicating increasing levels of severity and risk, with red being the most dangerous one.

A yellow danger warning can lead to power outages and traffic disruptions, such as blocked roads and delays in public transport.

When it is in place, the public is advised to stay informed about weather forecasts and take preventive measures, especially if they live in vulnerable areas or belong to at-risk groups.

An orange warning indicates weather that could have serious consequences for society. Power outages and poor road conditions are more likely.

The public is advised to avoid activities that expose them to weather risks and take action to reduce the risk of injury (this might include, for example, working from home instead of commuting).

Significant disruptions to public services, including transport, are also expected under an orange warning.

A red danger warning, the most severe within the SMHI’s system, means weather conditions could pose a significant danger to the public and cause major disruptions.

You should avoid any risky activities and take extensive preventive measures to protect your life and property.

Public services are expected to adapt and ensure the public in the country is adequately informed in the case of a red warning.

READ MORE: What do Sweden’s weather warnings actually mean?

Staying informed and prepared – essential resources

The first thing on your to-do list should be to read up on the latest warnings and weather updates.

You can find the latest warnings and advisories on the SMHI’s website. Monitoring these updates will help you stay prepared for any expected severe weather event.

You can also subscribe to danger warning notifications in the SMHI mobile app (available in the iOS App Store and on Google Play for Android), which will send out push notifications for alerts. The app also shows weather forecasts.

Furthermore, make sure to check with your local authorities for specific advice and information about your area.

It’s a good idea to double-check that your information in the national population register is up to date so that local authorities can contact you in case of emergencies, such as evacuation notices.

Checking for flood-related travel disruptions

Flooding can cause significant travel disruptions, so keep an eye on potential train and bus cancellations and closed roads.

If storms and winds accompany severe weather, ferry connections may also be affected.

For the latest updates on such disruptions, check with transport operators like SJ and the Swedish Transport Administration – or the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB).

The website Krisinformation.se, which publishes emergency-related information from the Swedish authorities, is also a valuable resource.

Securing your home and valuables

To protect your home from flooding, make sure you clean drainage systems and gutters to ensure proper water flow.

Move valuables from basements to higher ground and ensure windows and doors are securely closed.

If you have one, clear your garden of loose objects and secure larger items like boats or caravans.

Note that flooding can also impact utilities such as electricity and water. Therefore, it’s wise to have emergency supplies, including water, blankets, and non-perishable food.

The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency provides guidelines on what supplies you’ll need in an emergency on its website.

Reading up on Sweden’s VMA system – the alarms that are tested four times a year which sound a bit like air raid sirens – is also a good idea, as it will help you understand what the different signals mean.

READ ALSO: What should foreigners in Sweden think about when preparing for a war or crisis?

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