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Gravitas Global Headlines:Floodwater blocks road in Spain amid rain warning

After a prolonged season of drought, parts of Spain are now being hit with periods of heavy rain, resulting in flash floods.

Flash floods strike Spain | WION Climate Tracker

<p>Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called an early general election for July 23, on Monday (May 29) after his left-wing coalition government suffered heavy losses in the local and regional polls. This comes as he had previously said that he wanted to see the full term in office, in line with which&nbsp;the national elections were supposed&nbsp;to take place sometime in December.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Spanish PM’s announcement</strong></h2>

<p>The announcement was made in a televised address to the nation, where Sanchez&nbsp;said that he had informed King Felipe VI of his decision to dissolve parliament. This also comes a day after his Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) and their junior ally Podemos lost ground in the local and regional elections to the conservative People’s Party (PP) and right-wing party Vox.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I took the decision when looking at the results of the elections of yesterday,” said Sanchez. He added, “Although yesterday’s elections had a local and regional scope, the meaning of the vote conveys a message that goes beyond that. That is why, as both prime minister and PSOE’s secretary-general, I personally assume the results.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Sanchez had previously said he would complete his four-year term which indicated that the elections will be held sometime in December, which would also be close to the end of Spain’s rotational presidency of the European Union which begins on July 1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I believe it is necessary to respond and submit our democratic mandate to the will of the people,” said Sanchez, in the televised address.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened in the regional and local elections?</strong></h2>

<p>In the local vote, PP secured a significant win, garnering 31.5 per cent of the votes. Meanwhile, the PSOE, which currently leads the government, maintained a narrow dominance with 28.2 per cent of the votes. However, it also marks a 1.2 percentage point decrease for PSOE when compared to 2019 and almost a nine-point increase for the conservatives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These results, based on more than 97 per cent of votes counted, were revealed by the Interior Ministry. Meanwhile, the PP, in the regional elections won in seven of the 12 regions contested some of which were previously won by PSOE, including Valencia, Aragon and La Rioja.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The Socialists also faced significant setbacks with losses in the Valencia, Aragon, and Balearic Island regions, as well as in the traditionally Socialist stronghold of Extremadura in southwestern Spain.&nbsp;The PP also secured an absolute majority in the city of Madrid.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called an early general election for July 23, on Monday (May 29) after his left-wing coalition government suffered heavy losses in the local and regional polls.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called an early general election for July 23, on Monday (May 29) after his left-wing coalition government suffered heavy losses in the local and regional polls. This comes as he had previously said that he wanted to see the full term in office, in line with which the national elections were supposed to take place sometime in December. Spanish PM’s announcement The announcement was made in a televised address to the nation, where Sanchez said that he had informed King Felipe VI of his decision to dissolve parliament. This also comes a day after his Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) and their junior ally Podemos lost ground in the local and regional elections to the conservative People’s Party (PP) and right-wing party Vox. “I took the decision when looking at the results of the elections of yesterday,” said Sanchez. He added, “Although yesterday’s elections had a local and regional scope, the meaning of the vote conveys a message that goes beyond that. That is why, as both prime minister and PSOE’s secretary-general, I personally assume the results.” Notably, Sanchez had previously said he would complete his four-year term which indicated that the elections will be held sometime in December, which would also be close to the end of Spain’s rotational presidency of the European Union which begins on July 1. “I believe it is necessary to respond and submit our democratic mandate to the will of the people,” said Sanchez, in the televised address. What happened in the regional and local elections? In the local vote, PP secured a significant win, garnering 31.5 per cent of the votes. Meanwhile, the PSOE, which currently leads the government, maintained a narrow dominance with 28.2 per cent of the votes. However, it also marks a 1.2 percentage point decrease for PSOE when compared to 2019 and almost a nine-point increase for the conservatives. These results, based on more than 97 per cent of votes counted, were revealed by the Interior Ministry. Meanwhile, the PP, in the regional elections won in seven of the 12 regions contested some of which were previously won by PSOE, including Valencia, Aragon and La Rioja. The Socialists also faced significant setbacks with losses in the Valencia, Aragon, and Balearic Island regions, as well as in the traditionally Socialist stronghold of Extremadura in southwestern Spain. The PP also secured an absolute majority in the city of Madrid. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez calls for snap elections after heavy loss in regional ballots

The Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez has called for a snap general election on the 23rd of July. This comes the day after his left-wing coalition government suffered heavy losses in the Regional ballots.

Spain PM calls Snap general election after local poll losses

<p>Spain's People's Party (PP) emerged victorious in local and regional elections, with only three out of twelve regions narrowly maintaining Socialist dominance. The remaining regions are expected to shift to the conservative People's Party, either through coalitions or informal support agreements with the far-right Vox party. AFP quoting political science professor Ignacio Jurado from Carlos III University said this electoral shift is a significant boost for the PP and its new leader, Alberto Nuñez Feijoo, leading up to the upcoming year-end elections.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mysterious-venice-canal-stuns-locals-as-patch-takes-on-fluorescent-green-hue-597632">Mysterious! Venice canal stuns locals as patch takes on fluorescent green hue</a></p>

<p>In the local vote, PP secured a significant win, garnering 31.5% of the votes. Meanwhile, the Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE), which currently leads the government, maintained a narrow dominance with 28.2% of the votes. These results, based on more than 97% of votes counted, were revealed by the Interior Ministry.</p>

<p>Although the PSOE experienced a slight decline of 1.2 percentage points compared to the 2019 elections, the PP witnessed an impressive surge of nearly 9 points.&nbsp;The regional elections showcased a significant political shift as the People's Party celebrated its victory, gaining momentum and support. However, the Socialist Party managed to hold onto their slim lead, ensuring their continued prominence in the Spanish political scene.</p>

<h2><strong>What do gains represent?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The strides made by the People's Party indicate the potential to unseat the current left-wing coalition led by the Partido Socialista Obrero Español (PSOE) if they can maintain this performance in the national elections scheduled for December.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-secures-approval-for-second-hydropower-project-in-nepal-strengthening-bilateral-energy-cooperation-597637">India secures approval for second hydropower project in Nepal, strengthening bilateral energy cooperation</a></p>

<p>Although there were few clear majorities, regional president Isabel Diaz Ayuso of the PP appeared poised to win re-election with an absolute majority in the Madrid region. "In votes the right-wing bloc expands but not dramatically. But that swing is enough to shift the centre of gravity from the left to the right," Jurado explained.</p>

<h2><strong>Conservative 'tsunami'</strong></h2>

<p>The Socialists faced significant setbacks with losses in the Valencia, Aragon, and Balearic Island regions, as well as in the traditionally Socialist stronghold of Extremadura in southwestern Spain. Javier Lamban, the outgoing Socialist president of Aragon, acknowledged defeat during a press conference, describing the election results as a "tsunami" that had swept through all Spanish regions.</p>

<h2><strong>Canary Islands, Valencia and Seville</strong></h2>

<p>Leadership in the Canary Islands will be determined through alliances, but the PSOE has limited chances of retaining power. PSOE spokesperson Pilar Alegria expressed disappointment during a press conference, stating that the results were not in line with their hopes.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Turkey Elections 2023: Erdogan back for another five years</strong></p>

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<p>In major cities such as Valencia and Seville, where mayoral elections also took place, the PP emerged as the favoured party. The PP also secured an absolute majority in the city of Madrid.</p>

<h2><strong>Barcelona, an exception&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Barcelona stood as an exception among major cities, with a pro-independence party narrowly winning the most votes. To unseat the current mayor, the far-left Ada Colau, an agreement with the Socialists will be required.&nbsp;People's Party (Partido Popular or PP) is not Spain's pro-independence party and is known for its strong stance against regional independence movements, particularly in regions like Catalonia.</p>

<h2><strong>Spain election controversies</strong></h2>

<p>The electoral campaign was marked by various controversies, including allegations of voter fraud in small towns and an unprecedented kidnapping case. The election results indicate a return to a two-party system dominated by the PSOE and PP, following a decade of increased participation by smaller parties like the left-wing Podemos and the centrist Ciudadanos, which appear to have lost significant ground to the PP.</p>

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Spain's People's Party (PP) emerged victorious in local and regional elections, with only three out of twelve regions narrowly maintaining Socialist dominance. The remaining regions are expected to shift to the conservative People's Party, either through coalitions or informal support agreements with the far-right Vox party.

Spain's People's Party (PP) emerged victorious in local and regional elections, with only three out of twelve regions narrowly maintaining Socialist dominance. The remaining regions are expected to shift to the conservative People's Party, either through coalitions or informal support agreements with the far-right Vox party. AFP quoting political science professor Ignacio Jurado from Carlos III University said this electoral shift is a significant boost for the PP and its new leader, Alberto Nuñez Feijoo, leading up to the upcoming year-end elections. Also Read | Mysterious! Venice canal stuns locals as patch takes on fluorescent green hue In the local vote, PP secured a significant win, garnering 31.5% of the votes. Meanwhile, the Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE), which currently leads the government, maintained a narrow dominance with 28.2% of the votes. These results, based on more than 97% of votes counted, were revealed by the Interior Ministry. Although the PSOE experienced a slight decline of 1.2 percentage points compared to the 2019 elections, the PP witnessed an impressive surge of nearly 9 points. The regional elections showcased a significant political shift as the People's Party celebrated its victory, gaining momentum and support. However, the Socialist Party managed to hold onto their slim lead, ensuring their continued prominence in the Spanish political scene. What do gains represent? The strides made by the People's Party indicate the potential to unseat the current left-wing coalition led by the Partido Socialista Obrero Español (PSOE) if they can maintain this performance in the national elections scheduled for December. Also Read | India secures approval for second hydropower project in Nepal, strengthening bilateral energy cooperation Although there were few clear majorities, regional president Isabel Diaz Ayuso of the PP appeared poised to win re-election with an absolute majority in the Madrid region. "In votes the right-wing bloc expands but not dramatically. But that swing is enough to shift the centre of gravity from the left to the right," Jurado explained. Conservative 'tsunami' The Socialists faced significant setbacks with losses in the Valencia, Aragon, and Balearic Island regions, as well as in the traditionally Socialist stronghold of Extremadura in southwestern Spain. Javier Lamban, the outgoing Socialist president of Aragon, acknowledged defeat during a press conference, describing the election results as a "tsunami" that had swept through all Spanish regions. Canary Islands, Valencia and Seville Leadership in the Canary Islands will be determined through alliances, but the PSOE has limited chances of retaining power. PSOE spokesperson Pilar Alegria expressed disappointment during a press conference, stating that the results were not in line with their hopes. Watch | Turkey Elections 2023: Erdogan back for another five years × In major cities such as Valencia and Seville, where mayoral elections also took place, the PP emerged as the favoured party. The PP also secured an absolute majority in the city of Madrid. Barcelona, an exception Barcelona stood as an exception among major cities, with a pro-independence party narrowly winning the most votes. To unseat the current mayor, the far-left Ada Colau, an agreement with the Socialists will be required. People's Party (Partido Popular or PP) is not Spain's pro-independence party and is known for its strong stance against regional independence movements, particularly in regions like Catalonia. Spain election controversies The electoral campaign was marked by various controversies, including allegations of voter fraud in small towns and an unprecedented kidnapping case. The election results indicate a return to a two-party system dominated by the PSOE and PP, following a decade of increased participation by smaller parties like the left-wing Podemos and the centrist Ciudadanos, which appear to have lost significant ground to the PP. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Spain's conservative party triumphs in regional elections, Socialists maintain slim dominance

<p>In a terrifying ordeal, a car in Spain was stranded in floodwaters after the driver lost control of the vehicle, as per a video now being circulated on a social media platform. The incident happened in Molina de Segura, on the south coast when the driver attempted to cross a flooded road. The driver appears to be unhurt in other social media footage of the event.</p>

<p>The red car, with the driver inside, was swept approximately 50 metres (55 yards) down a street.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/night-train-connecting-brussels-berlin-starts-operations-push-for-less-polluting-alternatives-to-air-travel-597009">Night train connecting Brussels-Berlin starts operations. Push for less polluting alternatives to air travel</a></p>

<p>After a protracted drought, the nation has recently seen substantial rainfall. Heavy rain started in Spain on 22 May resulting in the overflowing of river banks. Roads were made impassable and about 40 municipalities in Alicante and Murcia cancelled school classes after water invaded houses and severely destroyed crops.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Murcia, southern Spain this afternoon.<br />
<br />
90mm of rain reported to have fallen in an hour.<br />
<br />
Red car demonstrates the power of fast moving flood water.<a href="https://t.co/InoOGxOszr">pic.twitter.com/InoOGxOszr</a></p>
— Dave Throup (@DaveThroup) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaveThroup/status/1661831532212789253?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>On May 24, 2023, Aielo de Malferit municipality in Valencia province surpassed its previous high for a single day of precipitation. The municipality measured 117.6 litres while the local rainstorm persisted.</p>

<p>Spain is one of many nations this year that experienced flash floods following severe rain while also experiencing extremely dry weather. Now, with the country experiencing significant floods lives have been disrupted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/aid-worker-arrives-in-belgium-after-prisoner-swap-with-iranian-diplomat-597006">Aid worker arrives in Belgium after prisoner swap with Iranian diplomat</a></p>

<p>The Spanish government and local authorities have implemented measures to mitigate flood risks and improve preparedness and response to such natural disasters. Reservoir levels fell nationwide in the last week, according to Spain's Environment Ministry, to 47.7% of capacity, which is 21 percentage points below the 10-year normal for this time of year.</p>

<p>Between October 2022 and May 21 of this year, there was nationwide precipitation, which may be able to lessen Spain's severe drought.</p>

<h2><strong>Mother attempts to cross flooded road</strong></h2>

<p>Torrential rains on Thursday transformed streets in cities along Spain's Mediterranean coast into rivers that almost carried away several people and automobiles.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate new parliament on May 28</strong></p>

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<p>Social media video from Molina de Segura in southeast Murcia shows a kid being thrown out of his buggy as his mother attempted to cross the road with him through a flooded roadway.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Massive floods at street in murcia, Spain 🇪🇸 (25.05.2023)<br />
<br />
A woman tries to cross with the buggy, where a boy or girl is riding.<br />
<br />
TELEGRAM JOIN 👉 <a href="https://t.co/9cTkji5aZq">https://t.co/9cTkji5aZq</a> <a href="https://t.co/3vQroWYSo7">pic.twitter.com/3vQroWYSo7</a></p>
— Disaster News (@Top_Disaster) <a href="https://twitter.com/Top_Disaster/status/1661993408205045760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>A passerby intervened and dragged them both to safety. Another family member was prevented from attempting the crossing with the buggy a second time by onlookers who stepped in.</p>

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In a terrifying ordeal, a car in Spain was stranded in floodwaters after the driver lost control of the vehicle, as per a video now being circulated on a social media platform.

In a terrifying ordeal, a car in Spain was stranded in floodwaters after the driver lost control of the vehicle, as per a video now being circulated on a social media platform. The incident happened in Molina de Segura, on the south coast when the driver attempted to cross a flooded road. The driver appears to be unhurt in other social media footage of the event. The red car, with the driver inside, was swept approximately 50 metres (55 yards) down a street. Also Read | Night train connecting Brussels-Berlin starts operations. Push for less polluting alternatives to air travel After a protracted drought, the nation has recently seen substantial rainfall. Heavy rain started in Spain on 22 May resulting in the overflowing of river banks. Roads were made impassable and about 40 municipalities in Alicante and Murcia cancelled school classes after water invaded houses and severely destroyed crops. Murcia, southern Spain this afternoon. 90mm of rain reported to have fallen in an hour. Red car demonstrates the power of fast moving flood water.pic.twitter.com/InoOGxOszr — Dave Throup (@DaveThroup) May 25, 2023 × On May 24, 2023, Aielo de Malferit municipality in Valencia province surpassed its previous high for a single day of precipitation. The municipality measured 117.6 litres while the local rainstorm persisted. Spain is one of many nations this year that experienced flash floods following severe rain while also experiencing extremely dry weather. Now, with the country experiencing significant floods lives have been disrupted. Also Read | Aid worker arrives in Belgium after prisoner swap with Iranian diplomat The Spanish government and local authorities have implemented measures to mitigate flood risks and improve preparedness and response to such natural disasters. Reservoir levels fell nationwide in the last week, according to Spain's Environment Ministry, to 47.7% of capacity, which is 21 percentage points below the 10-year normal for this time of year. Between October 2022 and May 21 of this year, there was nationwide precipitation, which may be able to lessen Spain's severe drought. Mother attempts to cross flooded road Torrential rains on Thursday transformed streets in cities along Spain's Mediterranean coast into rivers that almost carried away several people and automobiles. Watch | Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate new parliament on May 28 × Social media video from Molina de Segura in southeast Murcia shows a kid being thrown out of his buggy as his mother attempted to cross the road with him through a flooded roadway. Massive floods at street in murcia, Spain 🇪🇸 (25.05.2023) A woman tries to cross with the buggy, where a boy or girl is riding. TELEGRAM JOIN 👉 https://t.co/9cTkji5aZq pic.twitter.com/3vQroWYSo7 — Disaster News (@Top_Disaster) May 26, 2023 × A passerby intervened and dragged them both to safety. Another family member was prevented from attempting the crossing with the buggy a second time by onlookers who stepped in. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

WATCH | Terrifying ordeal as car swept away in devastating floodwaters in Spain

Following a protracted drought, torrential rains on Thursday turned streets in cities along Spain's Mediterranean coast into rivers that nearly carried away several pedestrians and cars.

Heavy rain in Spain after prolonged flood

<p>A sailing boat off the coast of southern Spain on Thursday (May 25) was severely destroyed by killer whales, news agency Reuters reported citing the local maritime rescue agency. This issue has become serious as scores of orca assaults on vessels have been recorded this year on the Spanish and Portuguese coasts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pod punctured the hull of the Mustique and also shattered the rudder on its route to Gibraltar. The spokeswoman for the maritime rescue agency said that the damage forced the ship's four-man crew to seek assistance from Spanish authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Endangered orcas are actually members of the dolphin family, but they are known&nbsp;as killer whales. As adults, they can grow to be up to eight metres long and weigh up to six tonnes.</p>

<p>The spokesperson said that the agency sent a rapid-response vessel and a helicopter carrying a bilge pump to assist the 20-metre vessel, which was travelling under the British flag. It also added that the Mustique was transported to Barbate port in Cadiz province for repairs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>April Boyes, a British sailor, was aboard the Mustique and posted photos and footage of the orcas' destruction to her Instagram account.</p>

<p>She can be heard saying in the videos that "it's like they are biting it apart". "What started off as a seemingly unique encounter ended with orcas breaking off our rudder from the boat, then proceeding to tear bits off the boat for an hour," she later said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A huge hole in the hull meant we had water ingress to other parts of the boat and the engine room and I can honestly say it was a scary experience. We are all safe, I'm feeling grateful for the coastguard."</p>

<h2><strong>Killer whales attacks</strong></h2>

<p>The GTOA, a research organisation, which records populations of the Iberian orca subspecies, stated that this incident comes after at least 20 confrontations between small vessels with the highly gregarious apex predators in the Strait of Gibraltar this month alone. There were 207 documented encounters in 2022.</p>

<p>Earlier in May, the sailing vessel Alboran Champagne was hit by three orcas half a nautical mile off the coast of Barbate. Because the ship was entirely inundated, it could not be dragged and was allowed to sink.</p>

<p>In guidelines, the Spanish Transport Ministry stated that whenever ships witness any change in the conduct of orcas, such as unexpected changes in direction or speed, they should leave the region as quickly as possible to avoid further disturbance to the animals during the movements.</p>

<p>The government also stated that any interaction between a ship and an orca must be notified to authorities.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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A sailing boat off the coast of southern Spain on Thursday (May 25) was severely destroyed by killer whales, news agency Reuters reported citing the local maritime rescue agency.

A sailing boat off the coast of southern Spain on Thursday (May 25) was severely destroyed by killer whales, news agency Reuters reported citing the local maritime rescue agency. This issue has become serious as scores of orca assaults on vessels have been recorded this year on the Spanish and Portuguese coasts. The pod punctured the hull of the Mustique and also shattered the rudder on its route to Gibraltar. The spokeswoman for the maritime rescue agency said that the damage forced the ship's four-man crew to seek assistance from Spanish authorities. Endangered orcas are actually members of the dolphin family, but they are known as killer whales. As adults, they can grow to be up to eight metres long and weigh up to six tonnes. The spokesperson said that the agency sent a rapid-response vessel and a helicopter carrying a bilge pump to assist the 20-metre vessel, which was travelling under the British flag. It also added that the Mustique was transported to Barbate port in Cadiz province for repairs. April Boyes, a British sailor, was aboard the Mustique and posted photos and footage of the orcas' destruction to her Instagram account. She can be heard saying in the videos that "it's like they are biting it apart". "What started off as a seemingly unique encounter ended with orcas breaking off our rudder from the boat, then proceeding to tear bits off the boat for an hour," she later said. "A huge hole in the hull meant we had water ingress to other parts of the boat and the engine room and I can honestly say it was a scary experience. We are all safe, I'm feeling grateful for the coastguard." Killer whales attacks The GTOA, a research organisation, which records populations of the Iberian orca subspecies, stated that this incident comes after at least 20 confrontations between small vessels with the highly gregarious apex predators in the Strait of Gibraltar this month alone. There were 207 documented encounters in 2022. Earlier in May, the sailing vessel Alboran Champagne was hit by three orcas half a nautical mile off the coast of Barbate. Because the ship was entirely inundated, it could not be dragged and was allowed to sink. In guidelines, the Spanish Transport Ministry stated that whenever ships witness any change in the conduct of orcas, such as unexpected changes in direction or speed, they should leave the region as quickly as possible to avoid further disturbance to the animals during the movements. The government also stated that any interaction between a ship and an orca must be notified to authorities. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Killer whales wreck boat in latest 'scary' attack off Spanish coast

As some regions in Spain are suffering major drought, the South-Eastern part of the country is under a torrential rain crisis.

Floods & aftermath of heavy rains in Spain

<p>Spanish prosecutors have opened an investigation into the racist abuse hurled at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior as Brazil made a formal protest on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 22-year-old Brazilian international has often been targeted by opposition fans in Spain's La Liga and was once more in a 1-0 loss at Valencia on Sunday.</p>

<p>The game was held up for several minutes and the referee wrote in his post-match report that shouts of "monkey" had been directed at Vinicius.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/juventus-deducted-10-points-after-initial-penalty-revised-595270">Juventus deducted 10 points after initial penalty revised</a></p>

<p>The prosecutor's office in Valencia is investigating a possible hate crime, a judicial source told AFP.</p>

<p>Real Madrid said earlier it had filed a complaint "in order that the facts be investigated and those responsible be held accountable".</p>

<p>The club said the chants, in its view, "constitute a hate crime".</p>

<p>Brazil formally protested to the Spanish ambassador and will lodge an official complaint with authorities in Madrid.</p>

<p>There is growing anger in Brazil, where the lights of the Christ the Redeemer statue&nbsp;in Rio de Janeiro were turned off for one hour in solidarity with the player.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Black and imposing," Vinicius tweeted of the darkened statue, saying he was moved and thanked followers for their support.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But I want, above all, to inspire and bring more light to our fight," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vinicius has been racially abused at several stadiums this season in Spain. On one occasion, an effigy of him was hung from a bridge by Atletico Madrid fans.</p>

<p>During the Valencia match, Vinicius stood in front of home fans behind one goal and pointed to an apparent culprit. Play was delayed for several minutes in the second half.</p>

<p>Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea spoke to Mestalla stadium officials, who made an announcement calling for racist insults to stop before play resumed 10 minutes later.</p>

<p>Spain's&nbsp;government sports council is analysing crowd images to root out the fan or fans responsible.</p>

<p>The body has in similar incidents in the past proposed a one-year stadium ban and fine of 4,000 euros ($4,300) for those found guilty.</p>

<h2>'Serious problem'</h2>

<p>On a day of recriminations and soul-searching, the head of Spain's football federation said the country had a "problem" with racism.</p>

<p>"As long as there is just one fan, a single undesirable, or group of undesirables who hurl insults over someone's sexual orientation, or skin colour, we have a serious problem," Luis Rubiales said.</p>

<p>But Real Madrid heavily criticised Rubiales, saying his refusal to ensure FIFA protocols -- which suggest matches should be halted when racist abuse is heard -- are upheld in Spain is exacerbating the problem.</p>

<p>"His inaction has resulted in the helplessness and defencelessness of our player Vinicius," said the club, which hit out at the federation for failing to "prevent the situation".</p>

<p>La Liga argues it has been "proactive" in previous cases of racism against Vinicius.</p>

<p>Vinicius was sent off in added time at the end of the game for hitting Valencia player Hugo Duro during a brawl.</p>

<p>Real said the match officials "made unfair decisions based on incomplete images" when Vinicius was shown a red card.</p>

<p>After the match, Vinicius issued a strongly worded statement saying that "today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists".</p>

<p>"The league that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano (Ronaldo) and Messi now belongs to racists," Vinicius added.</p>

<h2>Solidarity</h2>

<p>World football and beyond have rallied around Vinicius and demanded action.</p>

<p>Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned the abuse, telling a news conference at the close of the G7 summit in Hiroshima: "He was attacked. He was called a 'monkey'."</p>

<p>He called for the Spanish league to take "serious measures".</p>

<p>Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Spanish football needed to be prepared to halt matches.</p>

<p>"The Spanish league has a problem, and Vinicius is not the problem. Vinicius is the victim," Ancelotti said on Sunday.</p>

<p>"What has happened today has happened before, but not like that, it's unacceptable," he told reporters.</p>

<p>FIFA reiterated that stopping matches is permitted as well as players walking off the pitch in their three-step approach when racist abuse takes place.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Full solidarity with Vinicius," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement.</p>

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Spanish prosecutors have opened an investigation into the racist abuse hurled at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior as Brazil made a formal protest on Monday. The 22-year-old Brazilian international has often been targeted by opposition fans in Spain's La Liga and was once more in a 1-0 loss at Valencia on Sunday.

Spanish prosecutors have opened an investigation into the racist abuse hurled at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior as Brazil made a formal protest on Monday. The 22-year-old Brazilian international has often been targeted by opposition fans in Spain's La Liga and was once more in a 1-0 loss at Valencia on Sunday. The game was held up for several minutes and the referee wrote in his post-match report that shouts of "monkey" had been directed at Vinicius. Also Read: Juventus deducted 10 points after initial penalty revised The prosecutor's office in Valencia is investigating a possible hate crime, a judicial source told AFP. Real Madrid said earlier it had filed a complaint "in order that the facts be investigated and those responsible be held accountable". The club said the chants, in its view, "constitute a hate crime". Brazil formally protested to the Spanish ambassador and will lodge an official complaint with authorities in Madrid. There is growing anger in Brazil, where the lights of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro were turned off for one hour in solidarity with the player. "Black and imposing," Vinicius tweeted of the darkened statue, saying he was moved and thanked followers for their support. "But I want, above all, to inspire and bring more light to our fight," he added. Vinicius has been racially abused at several stadiums this season in Spain. On one occasion, an effigy of him was hung from a bridge by Atletico Madrid fans. During the Valencia match, Vinicius stood in front of home fans behind one goal and pointed to an apparent culprit. Play was delayed for several minutes in the second half. Referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea spoke to Mestalla stadium officials, who made an announcement calling for racist insults to stop before play resumed 10 minutes later. Spain's government sports council is analysing crowd images to root out the fan or fans responsible. The body has in similar incidents in the past proposed a one-year stadium ban and fine of 4,000 euros ($4,300) for those found guilty. 'Serious problem' On a day of recriminations and soul-searching, the head of Spain's football federation said the country had a "problem" with racism. "As long as there is just one fan, a single undesirable, or group of undesirables who hurl insults over someone's sexual orientation, or skin colour, we have a serious problem," Luis Rubiales said. But Real Madrid heavily criticised Rubiales, saying his refusal to ensure FIFA protocols -- which suggest matches should be halted when racist abuse is heard -- are upheld in Spain is exacerbating the problem. "His inaction has resulted in the helplessness and defencelessness of our player Vinicius," said the club, which hit out at the federation for failing to "prevent the situation". La Liga argues it has been "proactive" in previous cases of racism against Vinicius. Vinicius was sent off in added time at the end of the game for hitting Valencia player Hugo Duro during a brawl. Real said the match officials "made unfair decisions based on incomplete images" when Vinicius was shown a red card. After the match, Vinicius issued a strongly worded statement saying that "today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists". "The league that once belonged to Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano (Ronaldo) and Messi now belongs to racists," Vinicius added. Solidarity World football and beyond have rallied around Vinicius and demanded action. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned the abuse, telling a news conference at the close of the G7 summit in Hiroshima: "He was attacked. He was called a 'monkey'." He called for the Spanish league to take "serious measures". Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Spanish football needed to be prepared to halt matches. "The Spanish league has a problem, and Vinicius is not the problem. Vinicius is the victim," Ancelotti said on Sunday. "What has happened today has happened before, but not like that, it's unacceptable," he told reporters. FIFA reiterated that stopping matches is permitted as well as players walking off the pitch in their three-step approach when racist abuse takes place. "Full solidarity with Vinicius," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Spain opens official probe in Vinicius Junior racism case after official complaint from Brazil

A massive fire engulfs regions in western Spain. The fire has spread over 8,000 hectares near the border with Portugal.

Out-of-control wildfire leaves scorched landscape in Spain

<p>Real Madrid lost to Valencia 1-0 in the La Liga fixture on Sunday (May 21). After the match, Brazil and Madrid's forward Vinicius Jr. made heads turn by slamming La Liga and even labelling Spain racist after receiving racial slurs from the stands in the game&nbsp;at Valencia’s Mestalla stadium. The Brazilian forward wrote a lengthy tweet&nbsp;where he slammed the widely popular Spanish league and said 'racism is normal in La Liga'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It was not the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga. The competition considers it normal, the federation considers it normal and the rivals encourage it,” Vinicius posted on Twitter after the game. Check out his tweet:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="pt">Não foi a primeira vez, nem a segunda e nem a terceira. O racismo é o normal na La Liga. A competição acha normal, a Federação também e os adversários incentivam. Lamento muito. O campeonato que já foi de Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano e Messi hoje é dos racistas. Uma nação…</p>
— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) <a href="https://twitter.com/vinijr/status/1660379570149683200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>La Liga responded to Vinicius' revelations and claimed that it&nbsp;will request all available images&nbsp;to dive deep into the matter and investigate further. In a statement, it said, “If any hate crime is identified, we will take the appropriate legal action."</p>

<p>However, La Liga President&nbsp;Javier Tebas asked the 22-year-old Vinicius to be more informed with regard to&nbsp;what can be done in such cases.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-celebrate-third-successive-premier-league-title-triumph-with-1-0-win-over-chelsea-594848">Manchester City celebrate third successive Premier League title triumph with 1-0 win over Chelsea</a></strong></p>

<p>Tebas wrote on Twitter, “Since those who should explain to you what it is and what La Liga can do in cases of racism, we have tried to explain it ourselves, but you have not shown up for either of the two agreed dates that you requested yourself,” he said on Twitter. He added, "Before you criticise and slander La Liga you need to inform yourself properly @Vinijr. Don’t let yourself be manipulated and make sure you understand each other’s competencies and the work we have been doing together." To this, Vinicius also had a fitting reply:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="pt">Mais uma vez, em vez de criticar racistas, o presidente da LaLiga aparece nas redes sociais para me atacar.<br />
<br />
Por mais que você fale e finja não ler, a imagem do seu campeonato está abalada. Veja as respostas do seus posts e tenha uma surpresa...<br />
<br />
Omitir-se só faz com que você se… <a href="https://t.co/RGO9AZ24IA">https://t.co/RGO9AZ24IA</a></p>
— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) <a href="https://twitter.com/vinijr/status/1660414706962636803?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>BRAZILIAN PRESIDENT REACTS, CALLS FOR END OF RACISM IN FOOTBALL</strong></h2>

<p>Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also took note of Vinicius' allegations and joined in to express&nbsp;his support for the player, calling for an end to racism in the sport altogether.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a press conference, he said, “I would like to express my solidarity with our Brazilian player, a poor boy who succeeded in life and is potentially becoming one of the best players in the world, certainly the best at Real Madrid. And he is attacked in every stadium he plays in. I think it is important that FIFA, the Spanish league and leagues in other countries take real action, because we cannot allow fascism and racism to dominate football stadiums.”</p>

<p>It will be interesting to see what actions are taken in the Spanish league to counter the racism issue. Speaking of Real Madrid, the club lost to Valencia 1-0 with Diego Lopez finding the back of the net in the 33rd minute. Real never looked at their usual best and failed to level scores.</p>

<p>Vinicius Jr. complained regarding the racial abuse he faced during the face-off, leading to a halt to proceedings by ten minutes, before getting into an altercation with the Valencia player. This led to his send-off during the second half of the encounter.</p>

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Real Madrid lost to Valencia 1-0 in the La Liga fixture on Sunday (May 21). After the match, Brazil and Madrid's forward Vinicius Jr. made heads turn by slamming La Liga and even labelling Spain racist after receiving racial slurs from the stands in the game at Valencia’s Mestalla stadium.

Real Madrid lost to Valencia 1-0 in the La Liga fixture on Sunday (May 21). After the match, Brazil and Madrid's forward Vinicius Jr. made heads turn by slamming La Liga and even labelling Spain racist after receiving racial slurs from the stands in the game at Valencia’s Mestalla stadium. The Brazilian forward wrote a lengthy tweet where he slammed the widely popular Spanish league and said 'racism is normal in La Liga'. “It was not the first time, nor the second, nor the third. Racism is normal in La Liga. The competition considers it normal, the federation considers it normal and the rivals encourage it,” Vinicius posted on Twitter after the game. Check out his tweet: Não foi a primeira vez, nem a segunda e nem a terceira. O racismo é o normal na La Liga. A competição acha normal, a Federação também e os adversários incentivam. Lamento muito. O campeonato que já foi de Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano e Messi hoje é dos racistas. Uma nação… — Vini Jr. (@vinijr) May 21, 2023 × La Liga responded to Vinicius' revelations and claimed that it will request all available images to dive deep into the matter and investigate further. In a statement, it said, “If any hate crime is identified, we will take the appropriate legal action." However, La Liga President Javier Tebas asked the 22-year-old Vinicius to be more informed with regard to what can be done in such cases. Also Read: Manchester City celebrate third successive Premier League title triumph with 1-0 win over Chelsea Tebas wrote on Twitter, “Since those who should explain to you what it is and what La Liga can do in cases of racism, we have tried to explain it ourselves, but you have not shown up for either of the two agreed dates that you requested yourself,” he said on Twitter. He added, "Before you criticise and slander La Liga you need to inform yourself properly @Vinijr. Don’t let yourself be manipulated and make sure you understand each other’s competencies and the work we have been doing together." To this, Vinicius also had a fitting reply: Mais uma vez, em vez de criticar racistas, o presidente da LaLiga aparece nas redes sociais para me atacar. Por mais que você fale e finja não ler, a imagem do seu campeonato está abalada. Veja as respostas do seus posts e tenha uma surpresa... Omitir-se só faz com que você se… https://t.co/RGO9AZ24IA — Vini Jr. (@vinijr) May 21, 2023 × BRAZILIAN PRESIDENT REACTS, CALLS FOR END OF RACISM IN FOOTBALL Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also took note of Vinicius' allegations and joined in to express his support for the player, calling for an end to racism in the sport altogether. In a press conference, he said, “I would like to express my solidarity with our Brazilian player, a poor boy who succeeded in life and is potentially becoming one of the best players in the world, certainly the best at Real Madrid. And he is attacked in every stadium he plays in. I think it is important that FIFA, the Spanish league and leagues in other countries take real action, because we cannot allow fascism and racism to dominate football stadiums.” It will be interesting to see what actions are taken in the Spanish league to counter the racism issue. Speaking of Real Madrid, the club lost to Valencia 1-0 with Diego Lopez finding the back of the net in the 33rd minute. Real never looked at their usual best and failed to level scores. Vinicius Jr. complained regarding the racial abuse he faced during the face-off, leading to a halt to proceedings by ten minutes, before getting into an altercation with the Valencia player. This led to his send-off during the second half of the encounter. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr slams La Liga after racial abuse, Brazil President calls for end of racism

Spain is on fire There is a large fire that has spread to several areas in the western portion of Spain, forcing residents to leave their houses, and it has wrecked havoc in a location named Pinofranqueado.

Spain: Firefighters battle to control wildfire in extremal region

<p>About 300 km from Spain's capital Madrid, a F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet crashed and burst into flames at the Zaragoza air station. The US-made F-18 Hornet fighter jet can be seen quickly losing altitude and nose-diving into the ground, in a video that has gone viral on Twitter, before exploding at the edge of the air base.</p>

<p>According to a tweet from Spain's defence ministry, the fighter jet's pilot was transferred to a hospital and is out of danger. The Spanish Air and Space Force is the owner of the Zaragoza air base, which is located around 16 kilometres outside of the city,&nbsp;according to the Associated Press.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-ireland-council-elections-2023-sinn-fein-becomes-largest-party-in-local-government-594612">Northern Ireland council elections 2023: Sinn Fein becomes largest party in local government</a></p>

<p>Spain's state news agency EFE said the fighter aircraft was practising for a flying show when the tragedy occurred. The McDonnell Douglas F-18 Hornet that went down belonged to Ala 15, a functioning unit under the Air Combat Command (ARCOM) of the Spanish Air Force.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In Spain, an F-18 fighter crashed at the Zaragoza airbase. The pilot ejected from the jet. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Spain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Spain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F18?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F18</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/crash?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#crash</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZARAGOZA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZARAGOZA</a> <a href="https://t.co/gkpt3IZyeT">pic.twitter.com/gkpt3IZyeT</a></p>
— Nero (@OSINTNic) <a href="https://twitter.com/OSINTNic/status/1659897559781982211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>A few hours after the incident, the air force said that the pilot was "recovering favourably" but would need to stay in the hospital for "a few days" under supervision. The pilot landed beyond the perimeter fence of the airbase, and one of the Guardia Civil guards was the first to reach him, according to The Associated Press. The pilot reportedly hurt his legs after ejecting with a parachute from a low altitude, according to the Guardia Civil.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-streamlines-marriage-registration-process-for-migrant-workers-amid-looming-population-crisis-594576">China streamlines marriage registration process for migrant workers amid looming population crisis</a></p>

<p>The Guardia Civil declared that it will assist the military in the accident investigation. It stated that the pilot's initial report indicated that the aircraft had evidently had a malfunction.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Spain has been operating the F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet for several decades. The Spanish Air Force utilised the F/A-18 Hornet as one of its primary fighter aircraft and initially acquired the F/A-18 variants of the Hornet in the 1980s. These jets were used for various missions, including air defence, ground attack, and reconnaissance. In subsequent years, Spain upgraded its fleet with the newer F/A-18 variants.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Ukraine's Zelensky at centre of last day of G7 summit</strong></p>

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<p>The F-18 Hornet was put into service in Spain, in 1986. The F/A-18 McDonnell Douglas, made by Boeing, was the first jet fighter to employ computerised fly-by-wire flying controls and the first to feature carbon fibre wings. A two-seater, an upgraded fighter, a reconnaissance plane, and a night-attack fighter were among the variations. The F/A-18 Hornet has been involved in various training exercises, both domestically and internationally, with Spain regularly participating in NATO exercises.</p>

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About 300 km from Spain's capital Madrid, a F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet crashed and burst into flames at the Zaragoza air station. The US-made F-18 Hornet fighter jet can be seen quickly losing altitude and nose-diving into the ground, in a video that has gone viral on Twitter, before exploding at the edge of the air base.

About 300 km from Spain's capital Madrid, a F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet crashed and burst into flames at the Zaragoza air station. The US-made F-18 Hornet fighter jet can be seen quickly losing altitude and nose-diving into the ground, in a video that has gone viral on Twitter, before exploding at the edge of the air base. According to a tweet from Spain's defence ministry, the fighter jet's pilot was transferred to a hospital and is out of danger. The Spanish Air and Space Force is the owner of the Zaragoza air base, which is located around 16 kilometres outside of the city, according to the Associated Press. Also Read | Northern Ireland council elections 2023: Sinn Fein becomes largest party in local government Spain's state news agency EFE said the fighter aircraft was practising for a flying show when the tragedy occurred. The McDonnell Douglas F-18 Hornet that went down belonged to Ala 15, a functioning unit under the Air Combat Command (ARCOM) of the Spanish Air Force. In Spain, an F-18 fighter crashed at the Zaragoza airbase. The pilot ejected from the jet. #Spain #F18 #crash #ZARAGOZA pic.twitter.com/gkpt3IZyeT — Nero (@OSINTNic) May 20, 2023 × A few hours after the incident, the air force said that the pilot was "recovering favourably" but would need to stay in the hospital for "a few days" under supervision. The pilot landed beyond the perimeter fence of the airbase, and one of the Guardia Civil guards was the first to reach him, according to The Associated Press. The pilot reportedly hurt his legs after ejecting with a parachute from a low altitude, according to the Guardia Civil. Also Read | China streamlines marriage registration process for migrant workers amid looming population crisis The Guardia Civil declared that it will assist the military in the accident investigation. It stated that the pilot's initial report indicated that the aircraft had evidently had a malfunction. F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets Spain has been operating the F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet for several decades. The Spanish Air Force utilised the F/A-18 Hornet as one of its primary fighter aircraft and initially acquired the F/A-18 variants of the Hornet in the 1980s. These jets were used for various missions, including air defence, ground attack, and reconnaissance. In subsequent years, Spain upgraded its fleet with the newer F/A-18 variants. Watch | Ukraine's Zelensky at centre of last day of G7 summit × The F-18 Hornet was put into service in Spain, in 1986. The F/A-18 McDonnell Douglas, made by Boeing, was the first jet fighter to employ computerised fly-by-wire flying controls and the first to feature carbon fibre wings. A two-seater, an upgraded fighter, a reconnaissance plane, and a night-attack fighter were among the variations. The F/A-18 Hornet has been involved in various training exercises, both domestically and internationally, with Spain regularly participating in NATO exercises. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

WATCH | F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet nosedives, bursts into flames in Spain

Spain is developing an app which will create a balance in home chores between a married couple. How will this app work? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Spain develops app to help married couples with chores

<p>In a first, Spain announced its plans to launch an application which will help wives in tracking the number of household chores being performed by their husbands.<br />
<br />
The new application aims to address the gender imbalance in housework and will log the hours spent by a family member performing household chores.<br />
<br />
Spain's minister for gender equality and domestic violence Angela Rodriguez said that her department working on the development of the free application.<br />
<br />
The minister stated that the application would enable women and men to log the number of hours they are spending in the house doing the chores.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/southern-europe-turning-into-desert-france-italy-and-spain-to-face-brutal-summer-of-drought-593212">Southern Europe 'turning into desert', France, Italy and Spain to face brutal summer of drought</a></p>

<h2><br />
<strong>Govt plans to launch app in summer</strong></h2>

<p>The government is planning to release the application in the summer which will be launched as part of its 'co-responsibility plan'. “We women spend more time on domestic tasks than men,” said Rodriguez said, The Times reported.<br />
<br />
The minister was addressing a conference in Geneva which was discussing discrimination against women. A report was presented by the minister on women's rights in Spain at the convention.<br />
<br />
Rodriguez said that around half of the women who participated in a survey carried out by Spain's National Statistics Institute stated the majority of their household chores are performed by them.<br />
<br />
Comparatively, less than 15 per cent of men stated that they did the maximum house chores.<br />
<br />
The disparity in the division of housework has led to legal rows in Spain. In April 2017, a man was ordered to pay his ex-wife over €23,000 (almost $25,000) by a court in Cantabria for the household chores she did in their six years of marriage.<br />
<br />
Earlier this year, a businessman was ordered by a court in Velez-Malaga to pay his ex-wife €204,624.86 (around $220,318) for performing unpaid domestic labour in 25 years of their marriage based on the minimum wage.<br />
<br />
Now, the companies are bidding to lead the new project hoping that the application will soon be developed in the months ahead.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Spain swimming pools feel the heat as water supplies dwindle</strong></p>

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<p><br />
A budget of €211,750 (almost $227,990) has been set aside by the government for the development of the application, reported Spain's ABC newspaper.<br />
<br />
It is hoped that the application will bring into focus the 'invisible tasks' that women undertake in their houses as well as the 'mental load' they go through while running the home.<br />
<br />
Citing the example of cleaning the kitchen, the gender equality minister said that women often carry out this task and also think about buying extra washing-up liquid as well as making sure enough food is available in the house.</p>

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In a first, Spain announced its plans to launch an application which will help wives in tracking the number of household chores being performed by their husbands.

In a first, Spain announced its plans to launch an application which will help wives in tracking the number of household chores being performed by their husbands. The new application aims to address the gender imbalance in housework and will log the hours spent by a family member performing household chores. Spain's minister for gender equality and domestic violence Angela Rodriguez said that her department working on the development of the free application. The minister stated that the application would enable women and men to log the number of hours they are spending in the house doing the chores. ALSO READ | Southern Europe 'turning into desert', France, Italy and Spain to face brutal summer of drought Govt plans to launch app in summer The government is planning to release the application in the summer which will be launched as part of its 'co-responsibility plan'. “We women spend more time on domestic tasks than men,” said Rodriguez said, The Times reported. The minister was addressing a conference in Geneva which was discussing discrimination against women. A report was presented by the minister on women's rights in Spain at the convention. Rodriguez said that around half of the women who participated in a survey carried out by Spain's National Statistics Institute stated the majority of their household chores are performed by them. Comparatively, less than 15 per cent of men stated that they did the maximum house chores. The disparity in the division of housework has led to legal rows in Spain. In April 2017, a man was ordered to pay his ex-wife over €23,000 (almost $25,000) by a court in Cantabria for the household chores she did in their six years of marriage. Earlier this year, a businessman was ordered by a court in Velez-Malaga to pay his ex-wife €204,624.86 (around $220,318) for performing unpaid domestic labour in 25 years of their marriage based on the minimum wage. Now, the companies are bidding to lead the new project hoping that the application will soon be developed in the months ahead. WATCH | Spain swimming pools feel the heat as water supplies dwindle A budget of €211,750 (almost $227,990) has been set aside by the government for the development of the application, reported Spain's ABC newspaper. It is hoped that the application will bring into focus the 'invisible tasks' that women undertake in their houses as well as the 'mental load' they go through while running the home. Citing the example of cleaning the kitchen, the gender equality minister said that women often carry out this task and also think about buying extra washing-up liquid as well as making sure enough food is available in the house. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Spain to launch app for wives to track if husbands are doing household chores

In the dry, hot Spanish region of Catalonia, pools sit dry and empty as a severe drought forces the authorities to implement stringent water conservation measures. Hem Kaur Saroya brings you the report.

Spain swimming pools feel the heat as water supplies dwindle

<p>Southern Europe is all set to face another year of brutal summers and heatwaves, triggering fears that Europe might be on its way to facing water shortages of a level never seen in decades. The trend, attributed to climate change, is expected to spell doom for Europe’s agriculture as well as the power industry. Where farmers are expecting the lowest yield in decades on one hand, hydropower production is also expected to take a severe hit on the other.</p>

<h2><strong>Spain “becoming a desert”</strong></h2>

<p>The country suffered a long and painful drought last year. And no relief is expected this year either, thus severely threatening Spain’s food exports to other European Union nations. As per France 24, the month of April was the driest on record, and several cities recorded their highest temperatures in decades. Jorge Olcina, head of the climatology laboratory at the University of Alicante, said, “The situation is particularly alarming in the regions of Catalonia and Andalusia, where the water reservoirs are at less than 25 per cent of their capacity."</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Seattle records high of 31°c | WION Climate Tracker</strong></p>

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<p>Spain is known as “Europe’s back garden” because it exports a large part of its agricultural production, and Spanish farmers are, unsurprisingly, among the first to suffer the consequences of a water shortage.</p>

<p>Patricio Garcia-Fayos, director of the Desertification Research Centre in Valencia, even fretted that a large part of Spain will become desert in the coming years. He said, "It’s essential to fight against climate change and at the same time learn how to manage our water better. Otherwise, a large part of Spain will be a desert in a few years."</p>

<h2><strong>France facing its driest winter since 1959</strong></h2>

<p>Paris has already activated the drought crisis alert in the country’s four departmental prefects. People living in Ain, Isère, Bouches-du-Rhône and the Pyrénées-Orientales are prohibited from using water for non-priority purposes, including watering their lawns and filling their swimming pools. The irony is that the country which was on the verge of facing a food crisis last year has now asked its farmers in these regions to avoid using water for irrigation.</p>

<p>Similarly, Portugal is also experiencing an early arrival of drought. &nbsp;90 per cent of the mainland is facing drought, with 20 per cent of the country facing extreme drought.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/node/592586">Also Read |&nbsp;Cities reel under heatwave as temperatures soar in India | WION Climate Tracker</a></p>

<p>The agriculture sector of Italy is also under stress after two years of water scarcity. According to Luca Brocca, a director of research at Italy's National Research Council, “Northern Italy has a 70% deficit in snow water reserves and a 40% deficit of soil moisture.”</p>

<h2><strong>Climate change behind the summer crisis</strong></h2>

<p>Experts blame climate change for excruciating summer and water shortages in southern Europe as well as in the Horn of Africa. Hayley Fowler, Professor of Climate Change Impacts at Newcastle University, said, "In terms of the climate change signal, it very much fits with what we're expecting.”</p>

<p>Many farming regions have yet to adopt water-saving methods like precision irrigation or switch to more drought-hardy crops, such as sunflowers.</p>

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Southern Europe is all set to face another year of brutal summers and heatwaves, triggering fears that Europe might be on its way to facing water shortages of a level never seen in decades.

Southern Europe is all set to face another year of brutal summers and heatwaves, triggering fears that Europe might be on its way to facing water shortages of a level never seen in decades. The trend, attributed to climate change, is expected to spell doom for Europe’s agriculture as well as the power industry. Where farmers are expecting the lowest yield in decades on one hand, hydropower production is also expected to take a severe hit on the other. Spain “becoming a desert” The country suffered a long and painful drought last year. And no relief is expected this year either, thus severely threatening Spain’s food exports to other European Union nations. As per France 24, the month of April was the driest on record, and several cities recorded their highest temperatures in decades. Jorge Olcina, head of the climatology laboratory at the University of Alicante, said, “The situation is particularly alarming in the regions of Catalonia and Andalusia, where the water reservoirs are at less than 25 per cent of their capacity." Watch: Seattle records high of 31°c | WION Climate Tracker × Spain is known as “Europe’s back garden” because it exports a large part of its agricultural production, and Spanish farmers are, unsurprisingly, among the first to suffer the consequences of a water shortage. Patricio Garcia-Fayos, director of the Desertification Research Centre in Valencia, even fretted that a large part of Spain will become desert in the coming years. He said, "It’s essential to fight against climate change and at the same time learn how to manage our water better. Otherwise, a large part of Spain will be a desert in a few years." France facing its driest winter since 1959 Paris has already activated the drought crisis alert in the country’s four departmental prefects. People living in Ain, Isère, Bouches-du-Rhône and the Pyrénées-Orientales are prohibited from using water for non-priority purposes, including watering their lawns and filling their swimming pools. The irony is that the country which was on the verge of facing a food crisis last year has now asked its farmers in these regions to avoid using water for irrigation. Similarly, Portugal is also experiencing an early arrival of drought. 90 per cent of the mainland is facing drought, with 20 per cent of the country facing extreme drought. Also Read | Cities reel under heatwave as temperatures soar in India | WION Climate Tracker The agriculture sector of Italy is also under stress after two years of water scarcity. According to Luca Brocca, a director of research at Italy's National Research Council, “Northern Italy has a 70% deficit in snow water reserves and a 40% deficit of soil moisture.” Climate change behind the summer crisis Experts blame climate change for excruciating summer and water shortages in southern Europe as well as in the Horn of Africa. Hayley Fowler, Professor of Climate Change Impacts at Newcastle University, said, "In terms of the climate change signal, it very much fits with what we're expecting.” Many farming regions have yet to adopt water-saving methods like precision irrigation or switch to more drought-hardy crops, such as sunflowers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Southern Europe 'turning into desert', France, Italy and Spain to face brutal summer of drought

In another climate change incident, Spain will ban some outdoor work under extreme heat conditions. This comes after an extraordinary cabinet meeting that was held to discuss on how to tackle the extreme effects of climate change across the country.

Extreme effects of climate change felt across Spain

After a long period of drought, a heavy hailstorm hit Barcelona on Friday creating dangerous conditions for motorists. Rohit Wellington Rajan brings you the report.

Hailstorm in Barcelona after long drought and early heat wave | WION Climate Tracker

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe - US Secretary Antony Blinken participated in a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony on the Global Equality Fund with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares.

US-Spain to cooperate on migration centres in America | WION Speed News

Spanish farmers are bracing for another spell of hotter-than-normal temperatures this week, as they deal with the region's worst drought in almost three decades. Rohit Wellington Rajan brings you the report.

Drought threatens agriculture in Southern Spain

IN PICS | Protests, rallies, demonstrations: Here's how people marked May Day across the world

<p>Thailand has recorded some of its highest temperatures with authorities warning people across the country to stay indoors or at least seek shelter when they can, if they have to go out. According to a report by news agency Reuters on Friday (April 28), many towns and cities in Thailand have reported temperatures of more than 40 degrees Celsius.</p>

<p>And on Saturday, temperatures reached a record high of 54 degrees Celsius in Bang Na district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>April is traditionally the hottest month of the year for the country but there doesn't seem to be any prospect of the temperatures immediately coming down at least in the coming weeks.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-earth-day-temperature-rising-in-europe-15700-deaths-due-to-heatwave-in-2022-says-un-585320">World Earth Day: Temperature rising in Europe, 15,700 deaths due to heatwave in 2022, says UN</a></strong></p>

<p>The report said that in the southern Thai island of Phuket, the heat was forecast to "feel like" a staggering 54 degrees Celsius in the coming days.</p>

<p>At least two people have died due to the record-breaking heat, including a policeman who collapsed while directing traffic.</p>

<p>Apart from the rising temperatures, electricity consumption in Thailand is also at a record level with people running air conditioners and fans 24 hours a day leading to massive electricity bills which many people are worried they won't be able to pay.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Parts of Asia are reporting extreme heat this month, with record-breaking temperatures seen in some countries. In Bangladesh and parts of India, extreme heat is leading to a surge in power demand, causing power cuts and shortages for millions of people.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, two European countries- Spain and Portugal- &nbsp;have broken temperature records for April as they wilt in an unusually early heatwave that has raised the risk of wildfires.</p>

<p>In Spain, the national weather office AEMET said that the mercury hit 38.8 degrees Celsius in the airport in Spain's southern city of Cordoba on Thursday, beating the previous record of 38.6C in the eastern city of Elche.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday, the Spanish government announced it would launch its forest fire monitoring campaign, a month and a half earlier than usual. As per an official statement, the campaign would involve adding reinforcements to local firefighting teams and the "continuous monitoring of forest fires" across Spain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rising temperatures have also prompted warnings about the worsened drought conditions that have already led some farmers not to sow seeds this year.</p>

<p>In Portugal, the weather agency IPMA said that temperatures in the central town of Mora reached 36.9 degrees Celsius on Thursday, breaking the record of 36 degrees Celsius set in April 1945 in the northeastern town of Pinhao.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>(With inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>

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Thailand has recorded some of its highest temperatures with authorities warning people across the country to stay indoors or at least seek shelter when they can, if they have to go out.

Thailand has recorded some of its highest temperatures with authorities warning people across the country to stay indoors or at least seek shelter when they can, if they have to go out. According to a report by news agency Reuters on Friday (April 28), many towns and cities in Thailand have reported temperatures of more than 40 degrees Celsius. And on Saturday, temperatures reached a record high of 54 degrees Celsius in Bang Na district. April is traditionally the hottest month of the year for the country but there doesn't seem to be any prospect of the temperatures immediately coming down at least in the coming weeks. ALSO READ | World Earth Day: Temperature rising in Europe, 15,700 deaths due to heatwave in 2022, says UN The report said that in the southern Thai island of Phuket, the heat was forecast to "feel like" a staggering 54 degrees Celsius in the coming days. At least two people have died due to the record-breaking heat, including a policeman who collapsed while directing traffic. Apart from the rising temperatures, electricity consumption in Thailand is also at a record level with people running air conditioners and fans 24 hours a day leading to massive electricity bills which many people are worried they won't be able to pay. Parts of Asia are reporting extreme heat this month, with record-breaking temperatures seen in some countries. In Bangladesh and parts of India, extreme heat is leading to a surge in power demand, causing power cuts and shortages for millions of people. Meanwhile, two European countries- Spain and Portugal- have broken temperature records for April as they wilt in an unusually early heatwave that has raised the risk of wildfires. In Spain, the national weather office AEMET said that the mercury hit 38.8 degrees Celsius in the airport in Spain's southern city of Cordoba on Thursday, beating the previous record of 38.6C in the eastern city of Elche. On Friday, the Spanish government announced it would launch its forest fire monitoring campaign, a month and a half earlier than usual. As per an official statement, the campaign would involve adding reinforcements to local firefighting teams and the "continuous monitoring of forest fires" across Spain. The rising temperatures have also prompted warnings about the worsened drought conditions that have already led some farmers not to sow seeds this year. In Portugal, the weather agency IPMA said that temperatures in the central town of Mora reached 36.9 degrees Celsius on Thursday, breaking the record of 36 degrees Celsius set in April 1945 in the northeastern town of Pinhao. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Thailand sees record-breaking heat, two dead

A Spanish Bullfighter has received a historical honor. What is this special honor? Who is this exceptional matador? Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: Spanish matador receives exceptional honour

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<p>The Spanish parliament on Thursday (April 27) banned bullfighting events featuring dwarves dressed in costumes. The move was welcomed by disability groups but opposed by a few surviving performers. According to a report by the news agency AFP early Friday, the law approved in Parliament prohibits shows or recreational activities in which people with disabilities, or this circumstance, are used to provoke mockery or ridicule from the public. The law aligns Spain with the European Union (EU) directives on discrimination against disabled people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For years, groups of people with dwarfism dressed as clowns or firefighters have entertained audiences by chasing bulls without killing them, in shows considered humorous.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Spain's Royal Board on Disabilities, which advises the social rights ministry, said on Thursday&nbsp;that the government advanced human rights by banning public shows that humiliated disabled people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jesus Martin, the board's director general, said that such shows "passed the idea to so many girls and boys who go with adults to see these shameful performances that it is ok to laugh at difference".</p>

<h2><strong>Performers oppose ban</strong></h2>

<p>The surviving dwarf "toreros" (bullfighters) opposed the government's ban on dwarf bullfighting shows. The performers said that without the shows, their livelihoods are at stake. Amusement in the Arena, a group of dwarf bullfighters, posted on Facebook, "We are bullfighters, we are artists, enough prohibitions, we don't want handouts."</p>

<p>On Thursday, the performers staged a protest in front of the Spanish parliament ahead of the vote to express their condemnation of the ban.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Daniel Calderón, a dwarf bullfighter, told the EFE news agency that authorities take it for granted "that people are being denigrated or laughed at, and it’s the opposite: the respect they have for us is impressive."</p>

<p><em><strong>(With inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>

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The Spanish parliament on Thursday (April 27) banned bullfighting events featuring dwarves dressed in costumes. The move was welcomed by disability groups but opposed by a few surviving performers.

The Spanish parliament on Thursday (April 27) banned bullfighting events featuring dwarves dressed in costumes. The move was welcomed by disability groups but opposed by a few surviving performers. According to a report by the news agency AFP early Friday, the law approved in Parliament prohibits shows or recreational activities in which people with disabilities, or this circumstance, are used to provoke mockery or ridicule from the public. The law aligns Spain with the European Union (EU) directives on discrimination against disabled people. For years, groups of people with dwarfism dressed as clowns or firefighters have entertained audiences by chasing bulls without killing them, in shows considered humorous. Spain's Royal Board on Disabilities, which advises the social rights ministry, said on Thursday that the government advanced human rights by banning public shows that humiliated disabled people. Jesus Martin, the board's director general, said that such shows "passed the idea to so many girls and boys who go with adults to see these shameful performances that it is ok to laugh at difference". Performers oppose ban The surviving dwarf "toreros" (bullfighters) opposed the government's ban on dwarf bullfighting shows. The performers said that without the shows, their livelihoods are at stake. Amusement in the Arena, a group of dwarf bullfighters, posted on Facebook, "We are bullfighters, we are artists, enough prohibitions, we don't want handouts." On Thursday, the performers staged a protest in front of the Spanish parliament ahead of the vote to express their condemnation of the ban. Daniel Calderón, a dwarf bullfighter, told the EFE news agency that authorities take it for granted "that people are being denigrated or laughed at, and it’s the opposite: the respect they have for us is impressive." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Spain bans 'dwarf bullfighting', surviving performers oppose move

Spanish government warns people to take precautions amid drought and heat 7c-11c above average for the time of year.

Spain pleads for EU crisis funds as drought hits farmers

Spanish doctors are warning children and the elderly to stay indoors in the afternoon due to continuing record-breaking temperatures.

Spain doctors see rise in patients due to heat, issue health advisory

The Northern hemisphere is experiencing contrasting climatic conditions. While Europe is baking due to sizzling heat, the American mid-West is experiencing unnaturally chilly weather for April. The stark difference is affecting wildlife and humans alike. Spain's citizens are sweating under the heat, whereas migratory birds in America are freezing in mid-air and dropping out of the sky.

Europe sizzles due to sizzling heat while U.S. experiences unnatural chill

<p>Three people were arrested after supporters of Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera, founder of Spain’s fascist, Falange movement, clashed with the police on Monday (April 24). This comes as Primo de Rivera was to be re-buried in a simple grave after&nbsp;Spain recently passed a new law to deal with its authoritarian past. The body was exhumed from a mausoleum near Madrid and follows the &nbsp;2019 removal of the remains of dictator Francisco Franco.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The exhumation of Primo de Rivera’s body came six months after Spain passed its so-called democratic memory law which aimed to tackle the country’s legacy of the 1936-39 civil war and the decades of dictatorship that followed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the civil war, during his regime, Franco built a vast hillside mausoleum, where Primo de Rivera’s remains lay for over six decades after his execution by a firing squad in November 1936 for conspiring against the elected Republican government. In 1956, his remains were buried under the altar of the basilica in Valley of the Fallen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When Franco died, in 1975, he was also buried there. However, under the newly passed law in Spain, no figure linked to the 1936 military coup which triggered the civil war should have a grave in “a prominent public place” as it could encourage acts of homage or exultation, as per AFP. Notably, it is the fourth time his remains have been exhumed.</p>

<p>Primo de Rivera’s family agreed to the exhumation and selected April 24 as the date because it marks 120 years since his birth. The complex built by Franco is also home to 34,000 people from both sides of the civil war, many of whom were also victims of Franco's regime, are also buried in unmarked graves in the mausoleum.</p>

<p>The complex was also reportedly, in part, built by 20,000 political prisoners. The basilica&nbsp;built on a mountain near the capital, topped by a 150-metre stone cross will be turned into a memorial to the 500,000 people killed during the Spanish&nbsp;civil war and is now called the Valley of Cuelgamuros. Notably, Primo de Rivera’s Falange party continues to exist but does not have any seats in the&nbsp;parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Protests on Monday&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>According to reports nearly 200 sympathisers of Primo de Rivera gathered outside the San Isidro cemetery in southern Madrid, where he was taken to be reburied. Subsequently, police struggled to control the crowd which was chanting and making fascist salutes, as per media reports.<br />
<br />
This comes after the police had previously blocked access to the cemetery, however, Falange supporters gathered and also, as per reports,&nbsp;sang the Falangist hymn “Facing the sun”. Three people were arrested for public disorder, reported Reuters, citing a police source.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Three people were arrested after supporters of Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera, founder of Spain’s fascist, Falange movement, clashed with the police on Monday (April 24).

Three people were arrested after supporters of Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera, founder of Spain’s fascist, Falange movement, clashed with the police on Monday (April 24). This comes as Primo de Rivera was to be re-buried in a simple grave after Spain recently passed a new law to deal with its authoritarian past. The body was exhumed from a mausoleum near Madrid and follows the 2019 removal of the remains of dictator Francisco Franco. The exhumation of Primo de Rivera’s body came six months after Spain passed its so-called democratic memory law which aimed to tackle the country’s legacy of the 1936-39 civil war and the decades of dictatorship that followed. After the civil war, during his regime, Franco built a vast hillside mausoleum, where Primo de Rivera’s remains lay for over six decades after his execution by a firing squad in November 1936 for conspiring against the elected Republican government. In 1956, his remains were buried under the altar of the basilica in Valley of the Fallen. When Franco died, in 1975, he was also buried there. However, under the newly passed law in Spain, no figure linked to the 1936 military coup which triggered the civil war should have a grave in “a prominent public place” as it could encourage acts of homage or exultation, as per AFP. Notably, it is the fourth time his remains have been exhumed. Primo de Rivera’s family agreed to the exhumation and selected April 24 as the date because it marks 120 years since his birth. The complex built by Franco is also home to 34,000 people from both sides of the civil war, many of whom were also victims of Franco's regime, are also buried in unmarked graves in the mausoleum. The complex was also reportedly, in part, built by 20,000 political prisoners. The basilica built on a mountain near the capital, topped by a 150-metre stone cross will be turned into a memorial to the 500,000 people killed during the Spanish civil war and is now called the Valley of Cuelgamuros. Notably, Primo de Rivera’s Falange party continues to exist but does not have any seats in the parliament. Protests on Monday According to reports nearly 200 sympathisers of Primo de Rivera gathered outside the San Isidro cemetery in southern Madrid, where he was taken to be reburied. Subsequently, police struggled to control the crowd which was chanting and making fascist salutes, as per media reports. This comes after the police had previously blocked access to the cemetery, however, Falange supporters gathered and also, as per reports, sang the Falangist hymn “Facing the sun”. Three people were arrested for public disorder, reported Reuters, citing a police source. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Spain exhumes fascist movement’s founder, three arrested amid protests

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<p>Two people died while 10 were injured after a restaurant caught fire in Spain Friday night. The fire was sparked when one of the waiters flambeed a dish and accidentally set the walls and ceiling ablaze which quickly transformed into a mega-fire.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The freak incident took place at the Burro Canaglia Bar and Resto, an Italian restaurant, located on the western side of the capital city of Madrid. As soon as the incident was reported, Madrid's SAMUR emergency services were pressed into action.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Montse Marcos, a manager at the organisation informed that two men, aged between 25 and 30 died in the blaze. Meanwhile, the 10 injured are currently being treated in different hospitals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“A fire in a restaurant in Manuel Becerra Square has resulted in the deaths of two people. Six people hurt have been taken to different hospitals in serious condition. Four other people suffered minor injuries,” said a spokesperson from the Emergency services.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Twelve firefighter crews have put out the fire that spread quickly across the restaurant ceiling. They also rescued several people, clients and employees."</p>

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<p>Firefighter chief Carlos Marin asserted that his men responded to the accident scene instantly and managed to extinguish the flames.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“People came running to the fire station which is only about 400 metres from the restaurant. Our response was very quick because half of us responded by running to the scene on foot and the other half in vehicles,” said Marin.</p>

<p>“People were trapped inside when we arrived and after extinguishing the flames, we performed 12 rescues. They were trapped because the flames were preventing them from reaching the exit,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Witnesses confirm waiter started the fire</strong></h2>

<p>According to Spanish media reports, one of the deceased was the waiter while the other was one of the patrons of the restaurant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Witnesses confirmed that the waiter had indeed poured alcohol over the dish and set it alight, which is called flambeeing - a French technique, often used to give a dramatic tableside presentation and add a smoky flavour.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/building-collapses-after-explosion-in-marseille-several-feared-trapped-in-rubble-580720" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Building collapses after explosion in Marseille, 10 remain missing</strong></a></p>

<p>"The waiter had the plate in flames in one hand and the blowtorch in the other. He passed by a column of plants and in a matter of seconds it burned everything," a diner was quoted as saying by AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Two people died while 10 were injured after a restaurant caught fire in Spain Friday night. The fire was sparked when one of the waiters flambeed a dish and accidentally set the walls and ceiling ablaze which quickly transformed into a mega-fire.

Two people died while 10 were injured after a restaurant caught fire in Spain Friday night. The fire was sparked when one of the waiters flambeed a dish and accidentally set the walls and ceiling ablaze which quickly transformed into a mega-fire. The freak incident took place at the Burro Canaglia Bar and Resto, an Italian restaurant, located on the western side of the capital city of Madrid. As soon as the incident was reported, Madrid's SAMUR emergency services were pressed into action. Montse Marcos, a manager at the organisation informed that two men, aged between 25 and 30 died in the blaze. Meanwhile, the 10 injured are currently being treated in different hospitals. “A fire in a restaurant in Manuel Becerra Square has resulted in the deaths of two people. Six people hurt have been taken to different hospitals in serious condition. Four other people suffered minor injuries,” said a spokesperson from the Emergency services. “Twelve firefighter crews have put out the fire that spread quickly across the restaurant ceiling. They also rescued several people, clients and employees." WATCH | Building comes crashing down in Indian capital, no casualties reported Firefighter chief Carlos Marin asserted that his men responded to the accident scene instantly and managed to extinguish the flames. “People came running to the fire station which is only about 400 metres from the restaurant. Our response was very quick because half of us responded by running to the scene on foot and the other half in vehicles,” said Marin. “People were trapped inside when we arrived and after extinguishing the flames, we performed 12 rescues. They were trapped because the flames were preventing them from reaching the exit,” he added. Witnesses confirm waiter started the fire According to Spanish media reports, one of the deceased was the waiter while the other was one of the patrons of the restaurant. Witnesses confirmed that the waiter had indeed poured alcohol over the dish and set it alight, which is called flambeeing - a French technique, often used to give a dramatic tableside presentation and add a smoky flavour. ALSO READ | Building collapses after explosion in Marseille, 10 remain missing "The waiter had the plate in flames in one hand and the blowtorch in the other. He passed by a column of plants and in a matter of seconds it burned everything," a diner was quoted as saying by AFP. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Spain: 2 killed, 10 injured in restaurant blaze after waiter sets dish on fire

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