Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has conveyed her heartfelt support to the people of Canada as they confront devastating wildfires.
“We wish strength to the brave firefighters and authorities of Canada in their fight against the ongoing devastating wildfires. Georgia stands with the people of Canada in this difficult time,” Salome Zurabishvili tweeted.
Hundreds of uncontrolled forest fires blazed across Canada on Wednesday, threatening critical infrastructure, forcing evacuations and sending a blanket of smoky air wafting over US cities.
Wildfires are common in Canada’s western provinces, but this year flames have mushroomed rapidly in the country’s east, making it the worst-ever start to the season.
About 3.8 million hectares (9.4 million acres) have already burned, some 15 times the 10-year average, said Federal Minister of Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair.
“Across the country as of today, there are 414 wildfires burning, 239 of which are determined to be out of control,” he told a briefing. The giant eastern province of Quebec is among the worst affected.
