Spain is mobilising tens of thousands of soldiers, police officers and rescue workers ahead of Wednesday's total solar eclipse, as authorities brace for both record crowds and a heightened risk of wildfires across the Balearic Islands off its eastern coast.
The Ministry of Defence has agreed to requests from the Balearic Government and will deploy a tactical unit at several points in the Serra de Tramuntana, on the island of Mallorca, ahead of the total eclipse due to take place this Wednesday not only on this island but across the Balearic archipelago.
The troops will thus join the 93 forest firefighters deployed on the largest island in the archipelago, as well as 23 in Menorca, 39 in Ibiza and another six in Formentera.
The regional government plans to increase aerial surveillance flights, as weather conditions heighten the risk of wildfires on the day of the eclipse. Meanwhile, Maritime Rescue has strengthened its deployment at sea with 70 professionals on the day of the phenomenon.
The Army's deployment in Mallorca will not be limited to Wednesday.
