An area equal to over 5 million football fields has been burned by wildfires in Canada so far this year, Minister of Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair said.
Wildfires have devoured about 27,000 square kilometres of land this year, and the national 10-year average is about 500 square kilometres, Blair told reporters at a press conference, updating the current situation of the wildfire season which has seen tens of thousands of people flee their homes, reports Xinhua news agency.
"These conditions, this early in the season, are deeply concerning," said Blair.
He said that Canada is facing a dangerous situation and that due to climate change, similar extreme weather events may continue to increase in both frequency and severity across the country.
According to the update in the press conference, there are now 211 active wildfires burning across the country on Thursday and 82 of those are out of control.
A total of 1,826 wildfires have burned in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Northwest Territories.
Blair also confirmed that Nova Scotia is the second province to receive federal assistance for wildfires this year after Alberta.
The federal government approved the province's request for federal assistance for support with wildfire response efforts, including Canadian forces personnel and resources, he said.
In a state,emt, the Canadian government said the donation matching program with the government of Alberta and the Canadian Red Cross has already raised approximately C$20 million ($15 million) to support people who have been impacted by wildfires in the province.
The Canadian government will be establishing similar matching programs with Nova Scotia through the Canadian Red Cross and with the Northwest Territories through United Way, the statement added.
‘Pahalgam incident deeply disturbing & tragic’: Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday termed the Pahalgam terror attack as disturbing & tragic and also condoled the victims and their families.
Congress finally deletes 'Gayab' post targeting PM Modi after outrage
Under fire from the BJP over its social media post targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress finally, on Tuesday, took down the controversial post.
Guterres calls EAM Jaishankar, Pak PM Sharif; stresses pursuing justice in Pahalgam terror attack
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of pursuing justice in the Pahalgam terrorist attack while speaking with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shebaz Sharif, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.
Congress organises ‘Save Constitution’ rallies across NE states
The opposition Congress has been organising ‘Samvidhan Bachao’ (Save Constitution) campaign in the northeastern states. Claiming that the Constitution is in danger under the BJP-led Central government, the opposition Congress held a massive rally in Agartala on Tuesday.
RSS chief Bhagwat meets PM Modi after security huddle: Signs of a hard-hitting response in the works
In a significant political development, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Tuesday evening.
What PM Modi's free hand to armed forces against terror means for cross-border action?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unambiguous message during a high-level security meeting - ‘India is determined to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism’ - marks more than just a strong statement of resolve.
Justice BR Gavai appointed as next Chief Justice of India
Justice Gavai was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on May 29, 2019. Appointed as Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003, he became a permanent Judge in November 2005.
Three more Bangladeshi nationals held in Tripura
The Tripura Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday apprehended three Bangladeshi nationals, including a woman, for illegally entering India, officials said.