Wildfires displaces 8,000 on Gran Canaria

Monday, 19 August 2019 11:45

Around 8,000 people have been evacuated as wildfires rip through Gran Canaria in Spain's Canary Islands.

It is the second time in a week that residents of the popular tourist island have had to flee their homes because of a forest fire.

Emergency military units are helping local firefighters to tackle the flames and water-bomber planes have been sent from Malaga and Sevilla to assist.

Authorities said the fires, which started on Saturday, are advancing on two fronts in a mountainous area of the island.

More from International News

Russian strikes kill 12 in Kyiv as Ukraine runs low on air defences

Russia hammered Kyiv with missiles and drones early on Monday, killing at least 12 people, officials said, as shortages of US-made interceptors left the Ukrainian capital struggling to defend itself, just days after the deadliest attack this year.
25 dead, 100 injured in clashes at Sri Lanka prison, sources say

Twenty-five people were killed and about 100 injured in clashes between two groups of prisoners at a prison in Sri Lanka on Monday, two police sources and one hospital source told Reuters.
Six killed in India's Mumbai as rains wreak havoc, disrupt travel

At least six people have been killed when a group of buildings collapsed in the eastern suburbs of India's Mumbai on Sunday, the latest casualties of heavy rains that have disrupted travel and shut down schools in the city.
Thousands evacuated from homes in southwest France as wildfire burns

A wildfire burning out of control in southwestern France has forced the evacuation of 10,000 people from two dozen small towns and villages near the Spanish border and officials said strong winds on Monday would further fan the blaze.
Folarin Balogun to play for US after FIFA suspends red-card ban

Folarin Balogun of the United States men's national team is eligible to play in its round of 16 match against Belgium following the suspension of his one-game red card ban, the USMNT has announced on Sunday.

On Virgin Radio today

Maz Hakim
2:00pm - 6:00pm

Maz has the biggest stories of the day and the stuff you might have missed.
The Kris Fade Show's Hour of Power
6:00pm - 7:00pm

An extra hour of the UAE's biggest radio show for your drive home.