Hundreds of firefighters continue rescue efforts as severe heat fuels wildfires across southern Europe.
A devastating wildfire in the Los Gallardos area of Almería province in south-eastern Spain has killed 12 people and injured at least six others. A severe heatwave across southern Europe has sparked wildfires at several locations in Spain, France and Portugal.
Some victims found inside vehicles
The regional government of Andalusia confirmed in a statement that 12 bodies had been recovered. Some victims were found inside vehicles that had been engulfed by the flames.
Witnesses said the fire started after a high-voltage power line collapsed and spread rapidly through nearby woodland. However, the authorities have not yet officially confirmed the cause of the blaze.
Andalusian President Juanma Moreno has termed the incident as a major tragedy, saying it had deeply shocked the entire region. Around 150 firefighters are continuing emergency operations in the Bédar area to bring the fire under control.
Several roads have been closed because of the wildfire. Emergency services said about 1,000 people had been evacuated from their homes to safe locations.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced in May that the country's largest-ever summer emergency operation would be deployed to tackle wildfires. Spain's Military Emergency Unit (UME) has also joined firefighting operations in Los Gallardos.
Spain recorded its highest average daily temperature since 1950 in June this year. Forecasts had warned that temperatures could reach 42 degrees Celsius in some areas.
Experts say climate change is driving rising temperatures around the world. Europe is warming at nearly twice the global average rate.
