logo
France's biggest wildfire in 75 years engulfs an area larger than Paris as an army of firefighters battle 17,000-hectare blaze

France's biggest wildfire in 75 years engulfs an area larger than Paris as an army of firefighters battle 17,000-hectare blaze

Time of India6 days ago
France is facing its largest wildfire since 1949, with flames burning through more than 17,000 hectares — an area larger than Paris — in the Aude region. Authorities said the blaze, which started near the village of Ribaute on Tuesday, has been brought under control but will continue for several more days.
More than 2,000 firefighters, 500 firefighting vehicles, gendarmerie and army units remain on the ground. A woman has died, and 13 people, including 11 firefighters, have been injured, with two in critical condition.
Productivity Tool
Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide
By Metla Sudha Sekhar
View Program
Finance
Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory
By Dinesh Nagpal
View Program
Finance
Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code
By CA Rahul Gupta
View Program
Digital Marketing
Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel
By Neil Patel
View Program
Finance
Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading
By Kunal Patel
View Program
Productivity Tool
Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide
By Study at home
View Program
Artificial Intelligence
AI For Business Professionals Batch 2
By Ansh Mehra
View Program
"The fire is contained," Lucie Roesch, secretary general of the Aude prefecture, was quoted as saying by local media. Christian Pouget, the prefect for Aude, said the fire will not be "declared extinguished for several days" and added, "There is still a lot of work to be done."
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
With temperatures hitting 95°F, this is the mini air conditioner everyone's buying in the U.S
News of the Discovery
Undo
Aerial support and safety measures
Helicopters and planes made 130 water drops on Wednesday to slow the spread of the fire. Authorities have banned access to the burnt forest areas until at least Sunday, citing hazards such as fallen electricity lines. Roads in the affected zone remain dangerous, and residents have been urged not to return home while operations continue.
Seventeen temporary accommodation sites have been set up, and villages in the Corbières region remain on high alert.
Live Events
Scale and cause of the fire
Officials say the wildfire is the largest in France in 75 years. French Prime Minister François Bayrou called it a "catastrophe on an unprecedented scale" and linked it to global warming and drought. Environment Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher also connected the blaze to climate change.
Authorities said the fire spread rapidly due to strong winds, dry vegetation, and hot summer weather.
Widespread damage
Jacques Piraud, mayor of Jonquières, where several homes were destroyed, said around 80% of the village had burned. "It's dramatic. It's black, the trees are completely charred," he told Le Monde.
Satellite images released on Thursday showed burn scars and smoke across the region.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that "all of the nation's resources are mobilised," and urged the public to exercise "the utmost caution."
(Inputs from agencies)
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UAE heatwave alert: Temperatures to soar to 46°C in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
UAE heatwave alert: Temperatures to soar to 46°C in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Time of India

time26 minutes ago

  • Time of India

UAE heatwave alert: Temperatures to soar to 46°C in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Temperatures in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are expected to hit 46°C this weekend/Representative Image The United Arab Emirates is bracing for a blistering weekend as temperatures are forecast to soar to extreme levels, reaching up to 46°C in key cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) warns residents and visitors to take strong precautions against the intense heat, especially during peak daytime hours. Along with the soaring temperatures, there are elevated humidity levels and blowing dust expected, further compounding the discomfort and health risks. TL;DR: Temperatures in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are expected to hit 46°C by Friday, with daytime highs commonly above 40°C across the country. Humidity and dust: Coastal humidity will intensify the heat feel, while moderate to strong winds of up to 40 km/h will stir dust, reducing visibility and air quality. Safety precautions: Authorities urge everyone to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during mid-day, protect vulnerable groups, and exercise caution while driving due to poor visibility. Temperature outlook and weather conditions Dubai is currently experiencing very warm conditions, with highs around 41°C and night lows remaining above 34°C, making evenings uncomfortably warm. Abu Dhabi faces similar extremes, with temperatures around 42°C and nighttime lows staying near 33°C. The forecast indicates a peak temperature of 46°C by Friday for both cities, marking one of the hottest spells of the summer. Interior parts of the UAE are seeing even higher temperatures, with some areas reaching between 42°C and 47°C. Mountainous regions remain cooler but still hot, with highs in the low to mid-30s Celsius. Coastal cities will contend with elevated humidity, pushing the heat index higher and increasing the risk of heat stress. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Eupatoria: Unsold Sofas Prices May Surprise You (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo Moderate southwesterly to northeasterly winds will occasionally increase to fresh levels at around 35 km/h, causing blowing dust and haze that can significantly reduce visibility on roads and in public outdoor spaces. Dust storms are forecast to accompany this heatwave, especially in eastern and northern parts of the country. The blowing dust will lead to poor air quality and possible respiratory irritation, prompting health alerts for sensitive groups. Drivers are advised to exercise caution as sudden dust clouds can create hazardous driving conditions. Health and safety recommendations To stay safe during this period of extreme heat, authorities are emphasizing several protective measures: Limit outdoor exposure, especially between 11am and 4pm, when the sun's rays are strongest. Stay hydrated with frequent water intake to prevent dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Wear light, breathable clothing and use sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to guard against sunburn and heat exhaustion. Keep vulnerable groups indoors, including children, the elderly, and pets, who are most susceptible to heat stress. Be cautious while driving, due to dusty conditions and reduced visibility on roads. Employ cooling measures indoors such as air conditioning or fans to maintain comfort. Employers and outdoor workers are encouraged to adjust working hours to cooler parts of the day and provide adequate rest and hydration breaks. Prolonged heatwave and climate trends This extreme heat period is part of a longer 14-day stretch of intense summer weather affecting the UAE, accompanied by frequent dust storms and elevated humidity, especially along coastal areas. The heatwave follows the UAE experiencing its hottest spring on record this year, with temperatures earlier in August reaching highs above 50°C in some interior locations like Sweihan. Experts attribute this pattern to broader climate change effects contributing to escalating heat intensity and duration in the Gulf region. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and follow official guidelines to navigate this challenging weather safely. FAQ 1. How hot will it get in Dubai and Abu Dhabi this weekend? Temperatures are expected to reach up to 46°C in both cities. 2. Will there be other weather issues besides heat? Yes, high humidity and blowing dust are forecast, which may reduce visibility and affect air quality. 3. What time of day should outdoor activity be avoided? The hottest period is between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., when heat stress risk is highest. 4. What precautions should residents take? Stay indoors during peak heat, drink plenty of water, wear light clothing, and keep vulnerable groups safe from exposure.

Delhi flood alert: Yamuna River in the capital nears warning level, just 80 cm below danger mark
Delhi flood alert: Yamuna River in the capital nears warning level, just 80 cm below danger mark

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Delhi flood alert: Yamuna River in the capital nears warning level, just 80 cm below danger mark

The Yamuna River's water level in Delhi is rising, approaching the warning level, officials reported on Thursday. At 9 am, the water level reached 204.43 metres at the Old Railway Bridge, according to officials. The warning level is 204.50 metres. The danger mark is 205.3 metres, and evacuations begin at 206 metres. Independence Day 2025 Before Trump, British used tariffs to kill Indian textile Bank of Azad Hind: When Netaji gave India its own currency Swadeshi 2.0: India is no longer just a market, it's a maker Authorities are closely watching the situation and have instructed all relevant agencies to prepare for potential flooding. The Old Railway Bridge is a key point for monitoring the river's flow. An official stated, "The increase in the water level is mostly due to the large volumes of water being released from the Wazirabad and Hathnikund Barrage every hour due to rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Haryana and Uttarakhand." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like With temperatures hitting 95°F, this is the mini air conditioner everyone's buying in the U.S News of the Discovery Undo The flood control department reports that approximately 31,250 cusecs of water are released from Wazirabad every hour, and about 25,126 cusecs are released from the Hathnikund Barrage. It typically takes 48 to 50 hours for water released from the barrage to reach Delhi. Heavy rain disrupts Delhi, IMD issues orange alert Delhi experienced heavy rainfall on Thursday morning, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an 'orange' alert and caution that more showers are expected in the coming hours. The downpour caused waterlogging in several parts of the city, slowing down traffic and causing inconvenience for commuters during the morning rush. Live Events Several key areas, including stretches along Ring Road, parts of South Delhi, and arterial roads connecting central and east Delhi, experienced traffic disruptions. Waterlogged roads were seen near Subroto Park, Outer Ring Road, Dwarka Sector-20, Basai Road in Gurugram, and areas in Ghaziabad and Noida. The Delhi Traffic Police warned that waterlogging at GTK Depot, Jahangirpuri, and Adarsh Nagar could severely impact traffic on Old GT Road. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys and use alternative routes where possible. Rainfall recorded at multiple weather stations In the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 am Thursday, Safdarjung recorded 13.1 mm of rain, Aya Nagar 57.4 mm, Palam 49.4 mm, Lodhi Road 12 mm, Pragati Maidan 9 mm, and Pusa 5 mm, according to IMD data. The IMD's 'orange' alert signals residents to be prepared for moderate to heavy rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in various parts of the capital. Delhi Temperature and air quality update The rain brought Delhi's minimum temperature down to 23.6°C, 3.2°C below normal, while the maximum is expected to reach around 32°C. The city's Air Quality Index stood at 110 at 9 am, placing it in the 'moderate' category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. For reference, an AQI between 0–50 is 'good', 51–100 'satisfactory', 101–200 'moderate', 201–300 'poor', 301–400 'very poor', and 401–500 'severe'. (Inputs from PTI)

Hong Kong lowers black rainstorm warning to red as Cyclone Podul triggers flooding, landslide alerts
Hong Kong lowers black rainstorm warning to red as Cyclone Podul triggers flooding, landslide alerts

Time of India

time5 hours ago

  • Time of India

Hong Kong lowers black rainstorm warning to red as Cyclone Podul triggers flooding, landslide alerts

Hong Kong lowered its black rainstorm warning to red late Thursday morning, August 14, after hours of intense rainfall brought by Tropical Cyclone Podul . The black signal, the highest in the city's system, had been issued at 7:50 a.m., marking the fifth such alert in two weeks. The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) reported rainfall exceeding 100 millimeters per hour in the Central and Western District, with landslide risks identified in the Southern District. 'Heavy rain will bring flash floods, and flooding is occurring or is expected to occur in watercourses. People should stay away from watercourses,' the HKO said. Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Also read: Hong Kong issues highest storm warning as typhoon Wipha approaches by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now The black signal is triggered when rainfall exceeds 70 millimeters in an hour across Hong Kong and is likely to continue. The HKO noted the city has recorded a record number of black rainstorm warnings since the system began. Class cancellations, court disruptions, and transport delays across Hong Kong In response to the severe weather, the Education Bureau canceled all day classes, while the Judiciary suspended morning hearings and prepared to extend the adjournments if warnings persisted past 11 a.m. Live Events Tropical Cyclone Podul, located about 260 kilometers northeast of Hong Kong at 9:30 a.m., was moving west-northwest at 30 kilometers per hour. The No. 1 typhoon signal remained in place, indicating a tropical cyclone is within 800 kilometers and may affect the territory. 'Podul is gradually departing from Hong Kong and weakening. However, under the influence of its intense outer rainbands, locally there are heavy squally showers and severe squally thunderstorms,' the HKO said in a 9:45 a.m. update. Knee-deep flooding was reported on Connaught Road West, blocking drains and stranding vehicles. Flooding also halted traffic at the Hong Kong Island exit of the Western Harbour Tunnel during the morning commute, worsening citywide transport disruptions. Hong Kong issues amber rainstorm warning signal amid heavy rain forecast The Drainage Services Department's Emergency Control Centre deployed 90 response units to 240 high-risk flood-prone locations across the territory. Crews carried out inspections, cleared blockages, and responded to multiple flooding reports in Central and Western District. No injuries were reported as of 10:30 a.m.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store