Romania stands in solidarity with the people affected by the wildfires in Spain, southern France, Portugal and Greece, and is ready to support its European partners, President Nicusor Dan said on Friday on X.

'I was deeply saddened to learn of the devastating wildfires that have swept through Almería province in Spain, claiming numerous lives and leaving many communities in mourning. My thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones, and with the firefighters and emergency services working tirelessly to bring the fires under control. Romania stands in solidarity with Spain and the Spanish people at this painful time,' the head of state wrote.

He also expressed Romania's solidarity with the people in southern France, Portugal and Greece, who have likewise faced devastating wildfires and mass evacuations in recent days.

'In these difficult moments, Romania reaffirms its readiness to stand by and assist our fellow European partners in facing the growing challenges posed by climate change, extreme heat and wildfires,' the president said.

The wildfires have killed at least 11 people in Andalusia, AFP reported. 'We know that the fire remains very active and that the effort to put it out is immense and will continue for a long time,' King Felipe VI said.

The death toll from what is considered one of the worst natural disasters in Spain's recent history could rise further, as local authorities are still searching for 19 people who have not yet been located.

Around 500 firefighters have reached the scene and are trying to bring the flames under control and determine whether there are additional victims.

Six hundred people have been evacuated, and Spanish authorities fear the situation could worsen if the wind changes direction, as the country has just emerged from a heatwave that created favourable conditions for the spread of wildfires. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Oana Ghita; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)

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