Latest news with #GeneralDirectorateofEmergencies
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Wales Online
The popular British holiday destination where a wildfire warning has been issued
The popular British holiday destination where a wildfire warning has been issued Tourists have been advised to heighten their vigilance, with the alert in place until further notice Playa de las Americas, situated on the south coast of Tenerife (Image: Getty Images ) A wildfire warning has been issued at a holiday destination popular with British tourists. Spanish authorities have issued a pre-alert for the Canary Islands. Issued by the General Directorate of Emergencies, the warning extends to Tenerife, Grand Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera and EI Heirro. It followers the island's wet season, with dry and hot winds starting to blow in from the Sahara Desert. Authorities have urged residents and tourists to heighten their vigilance, with the alert in place until further notice. It is not uncommon for wildfires to happen during the summer months in both Spain and Portugal. Eight years ago, there were hundreds of large fires in the two countries. It saw 45 people killed in Portugal and four in Spain. And two years ago, there was an evacuation of 12,000 people from Tenerife as a wildfire became 'out of control'. The UK Government has offered the advice to travellers. Article continues below Its website reads: "Wildfires happen often in Spain, including on the islands, during the summer months. "Be aware of your environment when visiting or driving through woodland areas. "For information on wildfire risk visit the Spanish Meteorological Office (AEMET). "Causing a wildfire is a criminal offence in Spain, even if unintentional. "Make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished, do not light barbecues and do not leave empty bottles behind. "You can be heavily fined for not following the rules against lighting outdoor barbecues in forest areas. "Make sure you know the rules if considering a barbeque. For information on what to do in the event of a wildfire, visit Civil Protection (website in Spanish). It adds: "Immediately report any fire you see to the emergency services on 112. In the case of wildfires, the situation can change quickly, so you should stay up to date with official advice." Article continues below
Euronews
2 days ago
- Euronews
Norway introduces tourist tax to tackle overtourism surge
Norway is set to become the latest European destination to introduce a tourist tax to combat concerns about rising visitor numbers. Lawmakers approved the new levy on Thursday, which allows municipalities to introduce a 3 per cent tax on overnight stays in 'areas particularly affected by tourism'. The law allows local authorities to apply the tax at their own discretion, and it will be added to accommodation charges. Authorities will also be allowed to adjust the percentage based on the season. The funds raised by the tax will be used exclusively to improve tourism infrastructure projects that benefit both visitors and local people. Municipalities will have to demonstrate that their facilities are inadequate and have their plans approved by the government to spend the funds. Cecilie Myrseth, Norway's minister of trade and industry, said on social media that her government had reached a 'historic agreement' to introduce a tourism tax that was 'in line with what they have in the rest of Europe'. The country is the latest in a string of European nations introducing or increasing visitor levies to tackle the growing problem of overtourism. A tax may also be applied to cruise ships that make stops in the country, particularly in areas that are most affected by overtourism. As tourists increasingly choose cooler, northern European destinations to get away from the heat, Norway has experienced a boom in visitor numbers. Last year, a record-breaking 38.6 million people booked accommodation in the country. That includes more than 12 million overnight stays by foreign tourists - a 4.2 per cent increase from 2023. Some previously quiet destinations have been overwhelmed, like the Lofoten islands, where eye-catching images of hiking trails posted on social media have led to an influx of visitors. With a population of 24,500 people distributed across several small towns and villages, keeping up with the cost of all these new visitors has been hard. A recent survey by industry organisation Norwegian Tourism Partners found that 77 per cent of people in Tromsø, in northern Norway above the Arctic Circle, thought there were too many tourists there. Visitors have been drawn by the Northern Lights, wildlife excursions, Sami cultural experiences and what the city itself has to offer. The increase in tourism has caused tension with local residents across Norway as infrastructure has struggled to keep up with the boom. Facilities like public toilets and car parks have been overwhelmed in popular destinations. Some residents have even reported cases of people using their back gardens as toilets, and bemoaned the increased traffic clogging up Norway's roads. As millions of holidaymakers prepare to head to the Canary Islands this summer, authorities have issued a wildfire pre-alert across the archipelago. The warning, announced by the General Directorate of Emergencies on Sunday, applies to tourist hotspots El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. It comes as the islands enter a high-risk fire period following the wet season, as hot, dry winds known as the 'calima' begin blowing in from the Sahara Desert. The risk of wildfire is nothing new for the Canary Islands. The volcanic terrain, Mediterranean climate and fire-adapted vegetation - plants that have evolved to thrive in fire-prone environments - make them susceptible to summer blazes, and scientists say wildfires are part of the archipelago's ecological rhythm. Some of the worst occurred in 2023, when forest fires ravaged Tenerife, destroying more than 15,000 hectares of land and forcing 12,000 people to evacuate. The blaze was later found to have been started by arsonists. This year, officials are urging tourists and locals alike to take extreme caution, warning against launching fireworks near forests and discarding cigarettes on dry ground. But even as the fire warnings roll in, the Canaries' appeal shows no signs of slowing down. In 2024, the islands welcomed nearly 18 million tourists, including a record-breaking 15.5 million international arrivals. Among them, British travellers led the way, recording 6.3 million visits – up 500,000 from 2023. While the Canary Islands continue to attract record numbers of tourists, residents are increasingly voicing concerns about overtourism. In April 2024, tens of thousands of islanders participated in protests, holding signs that read 'the Canary Islands have a limit' while rallying against rising housing costs, environmental damage and the strain on public services. Over Easter this year, about 80,000 hospitality workers in Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro walked out in a dispute with unions over pay. The surge in short-term rentals has been especially contentious. Locals have reported getting priced out of their neighbourhoods as properties are converted into holiday lets, the cost of living soars and wages stagnate. Despite these concerns, tourism remains a significant part of the Canary Islands' economy, accounting for approximately 35 per cent of its GDP. After welcoming seven million tourists in 2024, Tenerife remains the most visited island. Its year-round sunshine and wide beaches keep it a firm favourite among families, especially during the UK's summer school break and throughout the winter months. As the peak summer season picks up, local tourism boards have made no indication that the fire pre-alerts will disrupt travel plans. But authorities remain focused on prevention this year. More than 2,000 firefighters are on standby. Meanwhile, the government has distributed detailed safety advice, urging people to prepare a go-bag, stay informed and follow emergency evacuation or shelter-in-place instructions if fires erupt.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Wildfire warnings issued in the Canary Islands as millions prepare to holiday there
As millions of holidaymakers prepare to head to the Canary Islands this summer, authorities have issued a wildfire pre-alert across the archipelago. The warning, announced by the General Directorate of Emergencies on Sunday, applies to tourist hotspots El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. It comes as the islands enter a high-risk fire period following the wet season, as hot, dry winds known as the 'calima' begin blowing in from the Sahara Desert. The risk of wildfire is nothing new for the Canary Islands. The volcanic terrain, Mediterranean climate and fire-adapted vegetation - plants that have evolved to thrive in fire-prone environments - make them susceptible to summer blazes, and scientists say wildfires are part of the archipelago's ecological rhythm. Some of the worst occurred in 2023, when forest fires ravaged Tenerife, destroying more than 15,000 hectares of land and forcing 12,000 people to evacuate. The blaze was later found to have been started by arsonists. This year, officials are urging tourists and locals alike to take extreme caution, warning against launching fireworks near forests and discarding cigarettes on dry ground. Related You'll need to book via app to visit these spectacular beaches in Sardinia this summer Greece boosts firefighter and drone numbers to tackle growing risk of wildfires But even as the fire warnings roll in, the Canaries' appeal shows no signs of slowing down. In 2024, the islands welcomed nearly 18 million tourists, including a record-breaking 15.5 million international arrivals. Among them, British travellers led the way, recording 6.3 million visits – up 500,000 from 2023. While the Canary Islands continue to attract record numbers of tourists, residents are increasingly voicing concerns about overtourism. In April 2024, tens of thousands of islanders participated in protests, holding signs that read 'the Canary Islands have a limit' while rallying against rising housing costs, environmental damage and the strain on public services. Over Easter this year, about 80,000 hospitality workers in Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro walked out in a dispute with unions over pay. The surge in short-term rentals has been especially contentious. Locals have reported getting priced out of their neighbourhoods as properties are converted into holiday lets, the cost of living soars and wages stagnate. Despite these concerns, tourism remains a significant part of the Canary Islands' economy, accounting for approximately 35 per cent of its GDP. After welcoming seven million tourists in 2024, Tenerife remains the most visited island. Its year-round sunshine and wide beaches keep it a firm favourite among families, especially during the UK's summer school break and throughout the winter months. Related Svalbard, Chios, El Hierro: How these European islands have successfully avoided overtourism Is it safe to travel to Lanzarote? Latest advice after Storm Olivier sweeps through Canary Islands As the peak summer season picks up, local tourism boards have made no indication that the fire pre-alerts will disrupt travel plans. But authorities remain focused on prevention this year. More than 2,000 firefighters are on standby. Meanwhile, the government has distributed detailed safety advice, urging people to prepare a go-bag, stay informed and follow emergency evacuation or shelter-in-place instructions if fires erupt.
Euronews
3 days ago
- Euronews
Canary Islands brace for summer wildfires amid tourist surge
As millions of holidaymakers prepare to head to the Canary Islands this summer, authorities have issued a wildfire pre-alert across the archipelago. The warning, announced by the General Directorate of Emergencies on Sunday, applies to tourist hotspots El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. It comes as the islands enter a high-risk fire period following the wet season, as hot, dry winds known as the 'calima' begin blowing in from the Sahara Desert. The risk of wildfire is nothing new for the Canary Islands. The volcanic terrain, Mediterranean climate and fire-adapted vegetation - plants that have evolved to thrive in fire-prone environments - make them susceptible to summer blazes, and scientists say wildfires are part of the archipelago's ecological rhythm. Some of the worst occurred in 2023, when forest fires ravaged Tenerife, destroying more than 15,000 hectares of land and forcing 12,000 people to evacuate. The blaze was later found to have been started by arsonists. This year, officials are urging tourists and locals alike to take extreme caution, warning against launching fireworks near forests and discarding cigarettes on dry ground. But even as the fire warnings roll in, the Canaries' appeal shows no signs of slowing down. In 2024, the islands welcomed nearly 18 million tourists, including a record-breaking 15.5 million international arrivals. Among them, British travellers led the way, recording 6.3 million visits – up 500,000 from 2023. While the Canary Islands continue to attract record numbers of tourists, residents are increasingly voicing concerns about overtourism. In April 2024, tens of thousands of islanders participated in protests, holding signs that read 'the Canary Islands have a limit' while rallying against rising housing costs, environmental damage and the strain on public services. Over Easter this year, about 80,000 hospitality workers in Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierrowalked out in a dispute with unions over pay. The surge in short-term rentals has been especially contentious. Locals have reported getting priced out of their neighbourhoods as properties are converted into holiday lets, the cost of living soars and wages stagnate. Despite these concerns, tourism remains a significant part of the Canary Islands' economy, accounting for approximately 35 per cent of its GDP. After welcoming seven million tourists in 2024, Tenerife remains the most visited island. Its year-round sunshine and wide beaches keep it a firm favourite among families, especially during the UK's summer school break and throughout the winter months. As the peak summer season picks up, local tourism boards have made no indication that the fire pre-alerts will disrupt travel plans. But authorities remain focused on prevention this year. More than 2,000 firefighters are on standby. Meanwhile, the government has distributed detailed safety advice, urging people to prepare a go-bag, stay informed and follow emergency evacuation or shelter-in-place instructions if fires erupt. More than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims are in Saudi Arabia for this year's Hajj. The five-day rite that every Muslim must perform once in their lifetime is an awe-inspiring spiritual experience. But it is also physically gruelling. Pilgrims walk for hours and wait in huge crowds around holy sites and the surrounding desert. The country has spent billions of dollars on crowd control and safety measures, but one of the greatest challenges at the Hajj in recent years has been the heat. Pilgrims are currently gathering at Mount Arafat amid temperatures nudging 40 degrees Celsius - which are expected to reach as high as 45C in the coming days. After 1,300 people died from extreme heat and overcrowding last year, Saudi Arabia has installed over 400 cooling units and curbed unregistered pilgrims. If you're planning on joining the Hajj pilgrimage for the first time, packing the right clothing and useful items is essential. To be prepared both for the religious regulations and the practical challenges, here are what veteran hajjis - as those who have completed the pilgrimage are known - recommend packing. The annual pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city for Muslims, can often fall during one of the hottest periods of the year. The rite, which began on 4 June this year, will see pilgrims navigating desert climates of over 40 degrees Celsius during the day. The majority of rituals take place outdoors in the desert, including climbing the Mount of Mercy and stoning the Jamarat, a row of pillars representing the devil. To avoid heatstroke, sun hats are key. Pilgrims often opt for wide-brimmed straw hats or even cowboy hats. Alternatively, many bring umbrellas or balance their prayer mats on their heads. All men are required to wear simple white robes without any stitching, a rule aimed at uniting rich and poor. Women must cover their hair but have more freedom to wear fabrics from their native countries, resulting in a colourful display of Islam's multiculturalism. When it comes to footwear, it's best to wear something that's durable for the long walks but that also slips on and off easily, as pilgrims must remove their shoes before entering Mecca's Grand Mosque. Sandals are sensible, but some pilgrims say it's best also to wear socks as the mosque's marble floor can be surprisingly cold as they walk around the Kaaba seven times. A daypack of some kind is essential for carrying food, water, sunscreen and toiletries. But backpacks can be a hassle when you're crammed shoulder-to-shoulder. Far more popular are cross-body bags that you can access without turning around. Many pilgrims also carry a separate drawstring bag or pouch for their shoes. Usually at mosques, you can leave your shoes with an attendant at the entrance. But with hundreds of thousands of people flocking to the Grand Mosque, it's easy to lose your shoes and spend a long time trying to locate them. Some pilgrims, like Umaima Hafez, a five-time hajjah from Egypt, pack a portable plastic stool. It fits in her bag and makes the hours-long waits more manageable. When it comes to toiletries, make sure you bring only those that are fragrance-free to comply with the prohibition on perfume. With holy sites spread over a distance of more than 16 kilometres, pilgrims may also need to camp out in the desert. It could mean staying somewhere like Mina - one of the world's largest tent camps. There are places you can purchase camping equipment in Mecca. Supermarkets often sell essentials like lightweight tents, sleeping mats and collapsible water pouches. For food, it's sensible to bring anything that can be consumed easily on the move and doesn't need refrigeration or utensils, such as dried fruit, nuts, biscuits and crisps.
The Independent
4 days ago
- Climate
- The Independent
Forest fire pre-alert issued for Canary Islands in warning for summer holidays
A pre-alert warning has been issued for the Canary Islands as forest fires threaten the holiday hotspot this summer. The pre-alert was released by the General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands on Sunday to make people aware of the danger that forest fires could pose. The islands that are on pre-alert are El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife and Gran Canaria, with the measures put in place until further notice. Tenerife and the rest of the Canaries have long been a popular holiday destination for Brits during the school summer holidays, as well as those seeking winter sun later in the year. While the Mediterranean climate sees warm temperatures, but it also features winds caused by hot, dry air from the Sahara desert, often laden with dust. Having passed their usual period of precipitation, the Canaries have entered into a period of medium to high risk of forest fires now the summer season has arrived. Authorities say that more than 2,000 fire personnel are on standby to tackle any fires in the western islands and Gran Canaria. The archipelago has seen wildfires ripping through its dry climate, often exacerbated by the strong winds that come off the Atlantic Ocean. In 2023, Tenerife experienced the worst wildlife for 40 years, tearing through the beloved holiday island as more than 12,000 people were evacuated from their homes. The blaze spread across thousands of hectares, affecting multiple towns and leaving plumes of smoke rising from forest areas. The wildfire was found to have been started deliberately by suspected arsonists. The government now urges people to take extra precaution during the arid months to avoid sparking fires. It warns against throwing cigarette butts on the floor or launching fireworks in areas surrounded by forests and fields. The government has also released advice for self-protection from fires, and is urging the public to follow the guidance amid the pre-alert. Its advice includes calling 112 if a fire erupts and following the instructions of authorities. If you need to evacuate, turn off light and gas switches, grab your essentials and go where security officers tell you to. If a fire surrounds a building, take shelter inside, close doors and windows and plug any holes, as well as fill bathtubs and sinks with water, spray doors and windows with water and place wet towels under the doors. It also advises turning off all utilities and protecting yourself with cotton clothing. If there's a lot of smoke, leave the lights on and breathe close to the ground.
