Spanish wildfire turns roads into death traps
One of Spain's deadliest wildfires on record tore through the Almeria region, killing at least 12 people who were trapped in their vehicles while attempting to flee. Emergency services reported 23 people still missing as firefighters battled to bring the blaze under control. Survivors and relatives criticized local authorities for failing to issue timely evacuation warnings. The son of a Belgian victim disputed the Spanish government's account that warnings had been issued.
European heatwave claims more victims
The wildfire comes as a severe heatwave continues across Europe, with France recording 131 drowning deaths since June 19 as people sought relief in rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. Temperatures in Paris and London exceeded 40°C (104°F), while train tracks buckled in several countries. The European heatwave has been linked to strengthening El Niño conditions in the tropical Pacific, which the U.S. Climate Prediction Center says has a 97% chance of persisting through early spring 2027.
Global extreme weather multiplies
Beyond Europe, Typhoon Bavi battered eastern China after making landfall, forcing the evacuation of over 2.8 million people and leaving widespread damage in Wenzhou and surrounding areas. In Bangladesh, monsoon floods killed 44 people and left over a million stranded. The simultaneous extreme weather events across multiple continents have renewed calls for stronger climate adaptation measures and disaster preparedness investments.