Content creator Mauro Santos shared a shocking video on social media on Tuesday, August 19, depicting the trail of destruction left by the wildfires that have ravaged mainland Portugal since August 2.
The drone footage reveals a vast blackened landscape, devoid of animals and with very few trees remaining.
The Facebook page ‘Meteo Trás-os-Montes,’ which shared the video, notes the “destruction” is visible in the lands surrounding the villages of Santa Comba da Vilariça, Vilarelhos, Pombal.
“The heart of Trás-os-Montes is black,” the page administrators describe.
The video, just hours old, has already garnered hundreds of shares and reactions, predominantly featuring sad or crying emojis from commenters.
201,000 hectares have burned in the country this year
Mainland Portugal has been plagued by numerous rural fires since July, especially in the northern and central regions, amid high temperatures that prompted a state of alert starting August 2.
According to provisional official data, over 201,000 hectares have been consumed by fire as of August 19, surpassing the total burnt area for the entire year of 2024.
This year’s fires have resulted in at least two fatalities, including a firefighter, and several injuries, mostly minor. They have also caused total or partial destruction to primary and secondary residences, as well as agricultural holdings, livestock facilities, and forested areas.
