A devastating blaze, with damage assessments just beginning and the toll expected to rise. The fire that yesterday caused moments of genuine terror for those on the beach at Punta Molentis in Villasimius, in southeastern Sardinia, destroyed approximately one hundred hectares of forest and destroyed dozens of cars. Nearly 200 people were rescued yesterday .

This is only the first damage assessment made by the Forestry Corps, which is working to quantify it in detail. Investigations are continuing to determine the fire's origin and identify any potential culprits .

Even quantifying the actual damage is not easy. Dozens of cars went up in smoke, but they have not yet been accurately counted . No damage to farms or private homes has been reported so far, but—again—the count has only just begun.

Since late yesterday evening, Villasimius Mayor Luca Dessì has closed all access to Punta Molentis beach . "Considering that the event has caused significant damage to the natural heritage and compromised public safety," the ordinance states, "with the possible presence of residual fires, burned materials, unsafe trees, and potentially dangerous debris. Given the need to allow the appropriate authorities to carry out cleanup, safety measures, and verify the stability of the area, the Punta Molentis municipal beach is temporarily closed to the public, effective immediately and until the cleanup and safety measures are completed , to be certified by the competent authorities."

(Unioneonline)

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