Wildfires have raced into northern districts of the Israeli coastal city of Haifa, damaging buildings. About 50,000 people in eight neighbourhoods have been told to evacuate, officials say.

There are no reports of serious injuries but several people have been taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.

Dry air and strong winds caused the fire to spread to different areas of Haifa.

As aeroplanes carrying water flew over the city, police said residents faced at least six separate fires.

In parts of Haifa, the fire was getting perilously close to residential buildings.

A two-month drought and tinder-dry conditions have fanned the flames, but ministers say some of the wildfires are the result of arson.

The full extent of the different blazes could be seen above the main Route 1 highway linking Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

The fires sent residents in Haifa fleeing with as many of their belongings as they could carry.

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