Portugal wildfire death toll rises to 62, government declares 3 days of national mourning

Raging forest fires in central Portugal killed at least 62 people, with more than 1,000 firefighters still struggling to control the fire. Dry thunderstorms have been suspected to be the cause of the fatal blaze, although official reports are still awaited. The government has declared 3 days of national mourning in what is considered to be the worst human tragedy in Portugal’s recent history. (AFP)

Published on: Jun 19, 2017 4:55 PM IST

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Raging forest fires in central Portugal killed at least 62 people, with more than 1,000 firefighters still struggling to control the fire. Dry thunderstorms have been suspected to be the cause of the fatal blaze, although official reports are still awaited. The government has declared 3 days of national mourning in what is considered to be the worst human tragedy in Portugal’s recent history. (AFP)

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Firefighters work to put out a forest fire near the village of Fato, Portugal. Dozens of fire engines drove back and forth to fight the raging blaze in areas as far as 20km north of Pedrogao Grande. (Rafael Marchante/REUTERS)

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Firefighters said the weather conditions are still adverse in most areas where the flames were raging. (Rafael Marchante/REUTERS)

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An aerial view of a forest fire is seen from the cabin of a Spanish fire fighting plane. Portugal received help from its European neighbours with four Spanish fire engines seen driving off from the headquarters. (REUTERS)

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People cover their faces escaping from the heavy smoke threatening the village of Torgal in Portugal. According to Police a lightning strike probably caused the blaze in the region already hit by an intense heat wave with dry, gusty winds fanning the flames. (AFP)

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Volunteers unload food and water at a fire station in Portugal. (REUTERS)

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People evacuated from their homes after the forest fire sleep outside an evacuation centre. (Miguel Vidal/REUTERS)

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Red Cross and other relief personnel are seen outside a relief centre for people affected by the forest fire. (Miguel Vidal/REUTERS)

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Environmentalists have warned that the country needs to improve on its forest management and fire monitoring capabilities. (Paulo Duarte/AP)

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Remains of a burnt out house seen following the forest fire. At least half the victims died in their cars trying to flee along a local motorway. Many bodies were also found scattered along the road. (Miguel Vidal/REUTERS)

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The regional prosecutor also ordered a criminal investigation into the causes. Many forest fires in Portugal are caused by arson or carelessness. (Paulo Duarte/AP)

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Light rain that started on Monday morning brought only modest relief to the shocked population and exhausted firefighters. (AFP)