Greece is currently under siege from multiple wildfires, particularly affecting regions close to Athens, where officials have been forced to evacuate residents due to the escalating situation.
Greece Faces Major Wildfire Crisis with Evacuations Near Athens
Greece Faces Major Wildfire Crisis with Evacuations Near Athens
Amid a severe heatwave, Greece is grappling with five major wildfires, prompting evacuations in areas near the capital.
The country is in the grip of a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 44C (111.2F), exacerbating the wildfire scenario. As the crisis unfolds, the smell of smoke has reached central Athens, prompting Greek authorities to seek assistance from the European Union through its Civil Protection Mechanism for additional firefighting resources, including six aircraft.
Five significant fires are raging across different areas of Greece, with one particularly concerning blaze burning near Afidnes, just 30 kilometers (around 19 miles) from the capital. This fire has rapidly spread through neighboring regions like Drosopigi and Agios Stefanos, forcing mass evacuations. Despite efforts that involve over 200 firefighters, helicopters, and water-bombing aircraft, the fight against the fires remains ongoing, as scattered hotspots continue to pose a threat.
In addition to the main blaze in Attica, a severe fire on the island of Evia has moved rapidly towards the village of Afrati, resulting in multiple villages losing power due to damaged electricity pylons. The mayor of Dirfyon-Messapion reported "incalculable destruction," and six firefighters have been hospitalized due to burns and smoke inhalation as they bravely confront the flames.
Other regions including Kythira and Messinia are also battling their own deadly blazes that have inflicted significant destruction, leading to evacuations and distress among residents. In Kythira, the coastguard, with assistance from private boats, rescued 139 individuals stranded on a beach, while in Messinia, emergency alerts prompted residents in several villages to flee.
Additionally, Crete's Chania region is facing a persistent wildfire that has already resulted in the destruction of at least two homes. Warnings continue to be issued as various parts of Greece remain at risk, including the Ionian Islands, Peloponnese, and Eastern Macedonia, highlighting the widespread danger the wildfires present. Last month, wildfires on Chios island resulted in catastrophic land loss, and earlier in July, a severe fire on Crete led to the evacuation of thousands of tourists. As these fires rage on, the situation remains critical and highly concerning for affected communities across Greece.
Five significant fires are raging across different areas of Greece, with one particularly concerning blaze burning near Afidnes, just 30 kilometers (around 19 miles) from the capital. This fire has rapidly spread through neighboring regions like Drosopigi and Agios Stefanos, forcing mass evacuations. Despite efforts that involve over 200 firefighters, helicopters, and water-bombing aircraft, the fight against the fires remains ongoing, as scattered hotspots continue to pose a threat.
In addition to the main blaze in Attica, a severe fire on the island of Evia has moved rapidly towards the village of Afrati, resulting in multiple villages losing power due to damaged electricity pylons. The mayor of Dirfyon-Messapion reported "incalculable destruction," and six firefighters have been hospitalized due to burns and smoke inhalation as they bravely confront the flames.
Other regions including Kythira and Messinia are also battling their own deadly blazes that have inflicted significant destruction, leading to evacuations and distress among residents. In Kythira, the coastguard, with assistance from private boats, rescued 139 individuals stranded on a beach, while in Messinia, emergency alerts prompted residents in several villages to flee.
Additionally, Crete's Chania region is facing a persistent wildfire that has already resulted in the destruction of at least two homes. Warnings continue to be issued as various parts of Greece remain at risk, including the Ionian Islands, Peloponnese, and Eastern Macedonia, highlighting the widespread danger the wildfires present. Last month, wildfires on Chios island resulted in catastrophic land loss, and earlier in July, a severe fire on Crete led to the evacuation of thousands of tourists. As these fires rage on, the situation remains critical and highly concerning for affected communities across Greece.
