In a critical situation unfolding just 30 kilometers north of Athens, Greece is engaged in a fierce battle against five major wildfires, leading to immediate evacuations in the affected areas. The intense heat, with temperatures expected to soar to 44°C on Sunday, has added fuel to the raging flames, creating an urgent need for assistance. Greek officials have formally contacted the European Union for help, specifically requesting six additional firefighting aircraft.
The wildfires have been fueled by high winds and extreme temperatures, causing extensive damage to property and natural landscapes. Greece's Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister, Giannis Kefalogiannis, shed light on the crisis, stating, "We have injured firefighters, human lives were put at risk, properties have been burned, and forest areas have been destroyed."
In the Attica region, which encompasses the capital city, a fire that ignited in Afidnes rapidly spread to surrounding areas, including Drosopigi, Kryoneri, and Agios Stefanos, pushing residents to evacuate hastily. While officials claim that the main fire front has been contained, sporadic hotspots remain, with more than 200 firefighters currently on the ground, supported by aerial firefighting units.
On Evia Island, another major fire has erupted near Pissona, creating chaos as it spreads towards Afrati, affecting nearby villages such as Pournos and Mistros, which lost electricity due to damaged power infrastructure. Emergency conditions have seen six firefighters hospitalized with injuries thus far.
Significant destruction is also reported on the island of Kythira, where residents describe the scene as one of "total destruction." Here, several settlements have been evacuated, and coastguard efforts have successfully rescued 139 individuals stranded at Limnionas beach.
Meanwhile, another wildfire has broken out in Messinia, prompting emergency alerts advising nearby villages to evacuate. Difficult firefighting conditions persist due to strong winds, necessitating the deployment of 84 firefighters and numerous vehicles and aircraft.
Additionally, the Chania region of Crete is battling a separate wildfire, which resulted in the destruction of at least two residences. Officials have warned that multiple regions across Greece remain under threat from wildfires, further complicating the response efforts.
The ongoing fire crisis follows a challenging month in which wildfires on the island of Chios devastated over 4,700 hectares, highlighting the increasing urgency of effective wildfire management in Greece.
The wildfires have been fueled by high winds and extreme temperatures, causing extensive damage to property and natural landscapes. Greece's Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister, Giannis Kefalogiannis, shed light on the crisis, stating, "We have injured firefighters, human lives were put at risk, properties have been burned, and forest areas have been destroyed."
In the Attica region, which encompasses the capital city, a fire that ignited in Afidnes rapidly spread to surrounding areas, including Drosopigi, Kryoneri, and Agios Stefanos, pushing residents to evacuate hastily. While officials claim that the main fire front has been contained, sporadic hotspots remain, with more than 200 firefighters currently on the ground, supported by aerial firefighting units.
On Evia Island, another major fire has erupted near Pissona, creating chaos as it spreads towards Afrati, affecting nearby villages such as Pournos and Mistros, which lost electricity due to damaged power infrastructure. Emergency conditions have seen six firefighters hospitalized with injuries thus far.
Significant destruction is also reported on the island of Kythira, where residents describe the scene as one of "total destruction." Here, several settlements have been evacuated, and coastguard efforts have successfully rescued 139 individuals stranded at Limnionas beach.
Meanwhile, another wildfire has broken out in Messinia, prompting emergency alerts advising nearby villages to evacuate. Difficult firefighting conditions persist due to strong winds, necessitating the deployment of 84 firefighters and numerous vehicles and aircraft.
Additionally, the Chania region of Crete is battling a separate wildfire, which resulted in the destruction of at least two residences. Officials have warned that multiple regions across Greece remain under threat from wildfires, further complicating the response efforts.
The ongoing fire crisis follows a challenging month in which wildfires on the island of Chios devastated over 4,700 hectares, highlighting the increasing urgency of effective wildfire management in Greece.
