At least 64 killed, 160 injured in Portugal forest fire

Forest fires in Portugal some 200 kilometers northeast of the capital Lisbon have killed at least 64 people, with 160 others injured.

Firefighters and water-dropping aircraft have continued their efforts to battle the catastrophic forest fire in the mountainous Pedrogao Grande region as volunteers gathered to offer help to victims of the disaster.

Weather hinders efforts to contain flames

Authorities said they have brought 85 percent of the blaze under control but their efforts have been hindered by an ongoing heatwave. The government has declared three days of mourning to mark the deadliest natural disaster to hit Portugal in 40 years.