At least 19,000 people in the Madrid region have been evacuated or ordered to remain indoors due to wildfires that have become the worst in the region's history, regional president Isabel Diaz Ayuso said on Friday. The fires, which have burned around 6,000 hectares (15,000 acres), are occurring in a densely populated area around the Spanish capital. While an area of this size being burnt in more rural regions would not be considered significant, in Madrid, with its high concentration of homes and people, it is catastrophic. Around 100 people have been treated for minor cases, mainly smoke inhalation or anxiety attacks, while at least 43 homes have been destroyed. Ayuso described the situation as completely unusual and catastrophic, emphasizing that the priority is to save lives.
19,000 Evacuated or Confined as Madrid Wildfires Ravage the Region
Wildfires in Madrid have led to the evacuation or confinement of at least 19,000 people.

More in World
See all →
Social Media Usage Among Australian Children Under 16 Increases Despite Restrictions
Despite a world-leading ban, Australian children under 16 are increasingly using social media apps like Instagram and TikTok.

Drought-Exposed Danube Reveals Ancient Fossils and Historical Artifacts in Bulgaria
Europe's severe drought has led to remarkable discoveries along the Danube River, including mammoth fossils and World War II relics.

Trump-Endorsed Graham Secures Victory in South Carolina Senate Runoff
Darline Graham, Donald Trump's preferred candidate, has won the South Carolina Republican Senate runoff, marking a significant victory for the former president after a series of primary defeats.

South Korea Scrambles Jets After Russian Military Planes Enter Air Defence Zone
South Korea scrambled fighter jets after detecting Russian military aircraft entering its air defence identification zone over the East Sea, marking the second such incident in recent weeks.

AFP Journalists Attacked by Israeli Settlers in West Bank, Report Injuries and Vehicle Damage
Israeli settlers attacked AFP journalists in the West Bank, resulting in injuries and vehicle damage.

China Announces Gradual Resumption of Cooperation in India Border Talks
China's top diplomat says cooperation with India is 'gradually resuming' as they discuss their contentious Himalayan border.

Russia Dismisses French Election Meddling Claims as 'Anti-Russian Propaganda'
Russia has vehemently denied allegations of attempting to interfere in France's upcoming presidential elections, labeling the accusations as 'anti-Russian propaganda'.

Oman's Foreign Minister Visits Tehran to Discuss Strait of Hormuz Transit Amid Regional Tensions
Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi met with his Iranian counterpart in Tehran to discuss regulating transit through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions in the region.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe's First Moscow Visit Amid Stalled Ukraine Talks
US Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe is visiting Moscow for meetings, marking his first known visit to Russia as CIA chief amid stalled US-brokered talks over Ukraine and ongoing tensions with Iran.

Iranians Form Long Queues at Petrol Stations Following US Announcement of New Sanctions
Long queues formed at petrol stations in Tehran after the United States announced fresh sanctions aimed at pressuring Iran into submission.

Rare-intensity tornado devastates French village, leaving 'wartime' destruction
A tornado of rare intensity has devastated the village of Pomas in southern France, leaving residents in shock and the village resembling a 'wartime' scene.
Germany's Merz Vows Enhanced Climate Action Amid Criticism
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz commits to enhanced climate action following a summer marked by extreme heatwaves and drought.
Latest stories

LGRD Minister Calls for Societal Peace Through Prophet's Ideals
Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan advocates for a humane and peaceful society by following the ideals of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).

Minister Mintoo Highlights Importance of Community Engagement for Rangeland Conservation
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo has urged for the inclusion of local communities in rangeland protection and sustainable land management.

Mahdi's Vision: Strengthening Bangladesh-China Ties Through Education
Prime Minister's Adviser and Spokesperson Mahdi Amin has called for leveraging education as a key driver to strengthen people-to-people connectivity between Bangladesh and China.

India Enforces Follow-On After Sri Lanka Bowled Out for 290 in Second Test
India took a commanding position in the second Test against Sri Lanka by bowling out the hosts for 290 and enforcing the follow-on in Colombo.

Bangladesh Observes Eid-e-Miladunnabi with Religious Reverence and National Programs
The holy Eid-e-Miladunnabi, commemorating the birth and death anniversary of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), is being observed across Bangladesh with religious reverence and extensive national programmes.

Meta Under Fire: Witnesses Claim Teen Safety Tools on Instagram Are Ineffective
Witnesses testify that Meta knew its tools for protecting teenagers on Instagram were largely ineffective.

Stocks Increase as Oil Prices Fall Amid Optimism for Middle East Peace
Asian stocks edged higher as oil prices continued to decline due to reduced concerns over another military conflict between the United States and Iran.

Williams and Alcaraz Defeated in US Open Mixed Doubles Quarter-finals
Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz, despite a winning start, were defeated by Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli in the quarter-finals of the US Open mixed doubles tournament.

Canada Implements Counter-Tariffs on US Goods in Response to Trade Tensions
Canada has announced counter-tariffs on US goods ranging from 15 to 50 percent, intensifying the ongoing trade war between the two nations.

England Seeks Redemption, Pakistan Aims for Self-Respect in Crucial Lord's Test
England aims to move past recent off-field controversies as they face Pakistan in the second Test at Lord's, with both teams seeking redemption and respect.

Pakistani Girls Battle Societal Norms to Claim Their Space in Boxing
In Pakistan, young female boxers are challenging societal norms to pursue their passion for the sport.

IMF Chief: Global Economy Balances Between Crises and AI Opportunities
The International Monetary Fund chief likens the global economy to a 'storm-tossed vessel' amid high inflation, debt, trade wars, and the AI revolution.

Khokon Urges Unity for Effective Implementation of Govt Development Programmes
Narsingdi-1 lawmaker and BNP Joint Secretary General Khairul Kabir Khokon has called for unity to ensure the proper implementation of the government's public welfare and development programmes.

US Reports First Measles Deaths of 2026, Highlighting Resurgence Amid Vaccination Decline
The US has recorded its first measles deaths of 2026 in Pennsylvania, highlighting a resurgence of the disease amid declining vaccination rates.

Indian Police Clash with Protesters Demanding Job Opportunities and Exam Transparency
Indian students and unemployed youth clashed with police in Patna, demanding government jobs and transparency in recruitment exams.

President Emphasizes Continued Relevance of Prophet’s Farewell Hajj Sermon
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the Farewell Hajj Sermon of the Prophet remains highly relevant to humanity.

Rizvi Emphasizes Ziaur Rahman's Crucial Vision for Children's Development
BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi emphasized Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman's initiatives for children's mental and physical development as essential for national progress.

State Minister Announces Results-Based Monitoring System to Enhance Primary Education
A new results-based monitoring system will be introduced in primary education to assess actual school performance.