Spanish authorities are on heightened alert ahead of Wednesday’s total solar eclipse, as the mass movement of residents and tourists towards mountains, beaches and rural areas coincides with a period of exceptionally high wildfire risk. Prolonged heat and a lack of rainfall have left vegetation extremely dry, with Environment Minister Sara Aagesen warning that even a single spark or act of carelessness could have devastating consequences.
Authorities expect around 1.5 million additional car journeys, raising concerns that traffic jams on rural roads could hamper access for fire engines and ambulances. Barbecues, fireworks and parking near dry vegetation have been banned, among other measures, while parks and trails have been closed in the Valencia region. Hospitals have also been placed on alert for possible eye injuries caused by unsafe viewing of the Sun, while six brands of protective eclipse glasses have been withdrawn after being deemed unsuitable.
Spain is one of the best places to view the eclipse, with totality visible along a roughly 200-km-wide path stretching from A Coruña to Mallorca.
Concerns have been heightened by extreme weather conditions. July was among the hottest months recorded in mainland Spain since 1961 and the driest July since records began, with just 4.3 millimetres of rainfall — around 26% of the normal level.
Spain is considered one of the best places in Europe to observe the eclipse. Around 460,000 foreign visitors are expected to have travelled to the country specifically for the event, while the path of totality crosses Spain from A Coruña to Mallorca. NASA will broadcast the eclipse live, with special coverage organised along the path of totality.
Source: Guardian
What is fyi.news?
