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British Ambassador to Spain Alex Ellis travelled to Almería on Tuesday July 14 to meet members of the local British community affected by the recent wildfires and hear directly how the disaster has impacted their lives.

 

During the visit, the Ambassador offered his condolences to everyone affected and discussed the support being provided by the British Embassy's consular teams.

 

Meeting residents whose homes, livelihoods and communities have been touched by the fires, Mr Ellis described the devastation he had witnessed across the province.

 

"I have seen today the terrible consequences of the wildfires which have swept through Almería and met local residents whose lives have been so tragically impacted," the Ambassador said.

 

 

"The British Embassy is supporting British nationals and their families, and I would like to thank the emergency services, local authorities and our consular team for everything they are doing during this incredibly difficult time," he added.

 

Many of those caught up in the tragedy are British nationals, with local expat communities among the worst affected by the fires that swept through parts of the province.

 

Embassy officials explained that consular staff have been working closely with affected families since the emergency began and remain in regular contact with the Spanish authorities as recovery efforts continue.

 

Alongside meetings with local residents, the Ambassador also held talks with a number of senior officials involved in the response. These included Aránzazu Martín Moya, Delegate of the Regional Government of Andalucia, José María Martín Fernández, Deputy Delegate of the Spanish Government in Almería, representatives of the Guardia Civil and local mayors from some of the hardest-hit areas.

 

Among those attending were Francisco Miguel Reyes Martín, Mayor of Los Gallardos, and Ángel Fernando Collado Fernández, Mayor of Bédar, where members of the British community have been helping neighbours and supporting local recovery efforts in the aftermath of the disaster.

 

The visit underlined the continuing support being offered to British nationals as communities across Almería begin the long process of rebuilding after the devastating fires.

 

Image: British Embassy in Madrid