Coastal Inferno Rages, Dozens Injured and Missing in Devastating Blazes
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Catastrophic wildfires have engulfed areas near Omiš and Pelješac, leading to widespread destruction and numerous casualties. The inferno near Omiš has left 36 people injured, with seven fighting for their lives, and has consumed homes, vehicles, and boats. Emergency services are actively engaged in rescue operations, including evacuating residents by boat from the path of the flames.
The severity of the Omiš fire has prompted the arrival of Prime Minister Andrej Plenković to the affected region, as authorities coordinate cleanup and recovery efforts. Firefighters describe the scene as 'Apocalypse' and 'Armageddon,' with the fire's behavior noted as unusual and alarming. Search efforts are also underway for missing individuals.
Meanwhile, a critical analysis of an ongoing hazardous waste scandal suggests it poses a greater threat to residents than water quality issues, even as the country grapples with the immediate disaster of the wildfires.