An aircraft drops fire retardant in Mevo Modi'im near Modi'in, on May 23, 2019. The Israeli government said it has asked for international aid to fight dozens of huge fires that broke out on Thursday. Some 3,500 people have been evacuated from their homes due to fires that started as a result of heat wave. (Xinhua/Gil Cohen Magen)
JERUSALEM, May 23 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli government said it is asking for international aid to fight dozens of huge fires that broke out on Thursday because of extreme hot weather of more than 40 degrees Celsius
The fires erupted in central Israel, resulting in the burning of 16 houses and the evacuation of thousands of people from their homes.
Meanwhile, main roads were blocked and train traffic disrupted. Some train lines were cancelled, while others operated at a limited speed after the expansion of the metal tracks caused by the intense heat.
In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the National Security Council, the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to appeal for international aerial assistance.
A foreign ministry emergency team has prepared to turn to neighboring countries, including Greece, Cyprus, Italy and Croatia for aerial help.
"The main fires are under control, but this is subject to the power and direction of the winds. We must also prepare for the possibility of declaring a civil emergency event if the events demand it," said Gilad Erdan, Israeli minister of public security.
