MADRID, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish government on Tuesday declared areas affected by wildfires as catastrophe zones, allowing them to access emergency aid.
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said at a press conference broadcast by national television channel RTVE that the measure applies to all regions affected by the 113 wildfires recorded between June 23 and Aug. 25.
"We are facing one of the worst environmental crises in recent years," said Grande-Marlaska, adding that affected residents can apply for compensation. The aid also covers areas hit by severe flooding at the end of June.
Government aid will include support for households, businesses and local authorities, as well as compensation for farmers whose crops, woodland and livestock were damaged. Additional measures include grants for infrastructure repairs and preferential credit lines.
According to the European Forest Fire Information Service, wildfires in Spain have burned an estimated 418,000 hectares this summer, an area larger than the island of Mallorca. However, Grande-Marlaska said it is too early to give a final assessment of the damage.
Fifteen wildfires remain active in northwestern Spain, mainly in the provinces of Zamora and Ourense. Despite lower temperatures in recent days, firefighting efforts continue to be hampered by strong winds.
