COP30 climate talks evacuated after fire breaks out

The United Nations climate change talks in Brazil, COP30, have been halted due to a fire breaking out inside the venue in Belém.

According to the BBC, its  journalists saw flames and smoke in the pavilion area before they were rushed outside where fire engines raced past. The Brazilian government says that the fire is now under control and that no-one has been injured.

Flames burned a hole through the sheeting that covers the venue, which is in a former aerodrome.

The cause of the blaze is currently unknown, though one eyewitness told the BBC it may have been an electrical fire.

Hundreds of attendees are now sitting on the ground or on plastic chairs outside amid high heat and humidity.

A woman was transported in a wheelchair, though it is unclear whether this was related to the fire.

Several country delegations were forced to take shelter under a petrol station roof, according to a UK delegation member, who added that the fire has disrupted ongoing negotiations.

The UN, which organises the COP climate change conferences, said firefighters are inspecting the venue to ensure safety, and Brazilian authorities have temporarily taken control of the summit site.

Thousands of delegates from nearly 200 countries are attending the climate talks, which aim to advance international action on climate change.

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