UAE emergency teams on Tuesday launched an air operation to help tackle wildfires in Albania that have forced residents to flee homes and caused widespread damage.
Emirati helicopters carried out flights over Petrela, Gramsh and other affected areas, in support of critical efforts to contain intense blazes that have been fuelled by a record heatwave across vast parts of Europe.
The UAE response units were taking part in the firefighting efforts amid challenging weather after being sent to the country on the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed.
Several Albanian officials participating in the operation praised the UAE’s role in extinguishing the fires and its swift response.
Sheikh Mohamed had on Monday ordered a number of specialised units to the capital, Tirana, to aid continuing relief efforts.
The Emirates has sent aircraft, equipment and materials to help contain the raging fires, which come amid soaring temperatures gripping the Balkans region.
The humanitarian operation is being carried by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Interior, represented by Abu Dhabi Civil Defence.
Emergency services in Albania have been fighting to limit the spread of a series of wildfires that have broken out over recent weeks.
In July, the Albanian Ministry of Defence reported 18 such blazes, which threatened both residential areas and environmentally protected sites.
The Lura National Park, in north-eastern Albania, was among the areas worst affected by the fires.
The crucial assistance reflects the UAE's solidarity with the Albanian government and its people, state news agency Wam reported on Monday night.
Sheikh Mohamed met Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana last month to advance the growing partnership between the countries.
Sheikh Mohamed set out his commitment to forging robust ties across the Balkans. He said Albania was an important partner for the Emirates.
During the meeting, Mr Rama awarded Sheikh Mohamed the Benemerenti medal, the highest public honour conferred by the Prime Minister of Albania, in recognition of the President's pivotal role in strengthening UAE-Albanian relations.
The Prime Minister praised Sheikh Mohamed's commitment to bolstering bilateral ties, describing the award as a mark of his country's deep respect and appreciation for him.
Many parts of Europe have been scrambling to limit the spread of wildfires, particularly in the Mediterranean.
In Italy, a four-year-old boy died of heatstroke in Sardinia and extreme weather alerts were issued for a number of major cities.
Meanwhile, France has sent out heatwave warnings covering about half of the country and Spain has raised the alarm over dangerous conditions in Zaragoza and the Basque Country.
The surging temperatures in August come after the world's third hottest July on record. The average surface temperature last month was 1.25°C above the average pre-industrial level.
