France: Massive Wildfire Devastates Forests and Villages

A massive wildfire is raging in southern France, devastating forests and villages. The fire in the Aude region has burned an area larger than Paris, according to Reuters, and is considered the largest forest fire in the country since 1949.

One person has died near the city of Perpignan. At least 25 homes have been destroyed, forcing residents and tourists to evacuate the area. Many roads have been closed.

Prime Minister François Bayrou described the situation as an "unprecedented disaster." More than 15,000 hectares of land have been burned. Nearly 2,000 firefighters are trying to bring the fire under control. Approximately 2,500 households are without electricity.

Scientists warn that hotter and drier summers are increasing the risk of wildfires in the Mediterranean.