Felipe VI, "devastated" after seeing the "scale of the tragedy" of the fires in Las Médulas: "There's much to do."

King Felipe VI has stated that seeing the "scale of the tragedy" of the fires in the scorched landscape of Las Médulas, in the province of León, has been "truly devastating" and warned that "there is much to be done" by institutions and individuals to "boost the economy of the area."

During his visit to Las Médulas Park, the monarch, accompanied by Queen Letizia after visiting areas also affected by the fire in the Sanabria region of Zamora, made these statements to the media after witnessing the devastation to the landscape from the Orellán Viewpoint.

King Felipe VI stated that during his visit he was able to "clearly" see the scale of the tragedy of the fires, as in the case of Las Médulas, an ancient Roman gold mine and World Heritage Site, the fire that started in the town of Yeres, León.

This is what the technicians and affected people he spoke with during his visit to the provinces of Zamora and León told him, where, despite the effects of the fire, they also expressed "hope for the future."

In these conversations, the King and Queen were able to learn about "how those affected by the fires have experienced" and "understand how they see the future," as well as "what needs" they have after this "shocking" experience, as Felipe VI himself explained. "There is much to do, much effort, many people and institutions that must work together in a common purpose to move the economy of the area forward," the King stated in this regard.

During their visit to Las Médulas, the monarchs were also able to learn about the efforts being made to extinguish the fire. After stopping at the Mirador de Orellán, they met with the mayors of the affected towns around Las Médulas, who gave them details of the impact of the fires on the El Bierzo region.

Local residents also came to the area to see the kings. Among them, a group carried a sign that read , "Las Médulas awaits you , the caves and many chestnut trees have been saved... local businesses need you."

Along with Felipe VI and Letizia, the visit was attended by the President of the Regional Government, Alfonso Fernández Mañueco; the Minister of Equality, Ana Redondo; the Government Delegate in Castile and León, Nicanor Sen; and the Vice President of the Regional Government and Minister of Family Affairs, Isabel Blanco.