The country seeks EU assistance as the flames threaten properties and human lives amidst worsening climate conditions.
**Greece Faces Devastating Wildfires Amid Severe Heatwaves**
**Greece Faces Devastating Wildfires Amid Severe Heatwaves**
Greece battles over five raging wildfires, prompting mass evacuations as extreme temperatures soar.
Greece is currently grappling with five significant wildfires that have prompted emergency evacuations just 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) north of Athens. The pungent smell of burning wood has reached central Athens as the nation appeals for aid from the European Union to combat the widening infernos. This crisis is unfolding during an exceptional heatwave, with temperatures projected to soar up to 44°C (111°F) over the weekend.
Greece's Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister, Giannis Kefalogiannis, expressed concern over the situation, stating, "We have injured firefighters, human lives were put at risk, properties have been burned, and forest areas have been destroyed." High winds coupled with extreme temperatures have exacerbated the wildfires, leading Greece to formally request additional resources from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, including six more firefighting aircraft.
In the Attica region, the fire that ignited in Afidnes on Saturday has swiftly spread to areas like Drosopigi, Kryoneri, and Agios Stefanos, forcing widespread evacuations. While authorities report that the main fire front has been contained, isolated hotspots continue to burn, with over 200 firefighters, along with helicopters and water-bombing aircraft, actively working to subdue the flames.
On the island of Evia, another fire near Pissona has spiraled out of control, rapidly advancing towards Afrati. The blaze has disrupted power across several villages, including Pournos and Mistros, which are now without electricity due to destroyed power lines. So far, six firefighters have been hospitalized due to burns and smoke inhalation, with 115 personnel still involved in combating the flames. Mayor Giorgos Psathas of Dirfyon-Messapion stated, "The destruction is incalculable."
In Kythira, a large wildfire has engulfed parts of the island, leaving residents in shock as they witness "total destruction." Emergency evacuations have taken place, with the coastguard and private boats facilitating the safe passage of 139 individuals from Limnionas beach to Kapsali port.
In Messinia, a fourth wildfire erupted in the Polithea area of Trifylia on Saturday morning, intensifying throughout the day. Authorities issued five emergency alerts through the national 112 system, urging residents to abandon their villages. The strong winds complicate firefighting efforts, with 84 firefighters, 30 vehicles, and seven aircraft working to control the blaze.
Additionally, another wildfire rages in Crete's Chania region, specifically in Temenia, where flames emerged from two separate locations, leading to the destruction of at least two homes. Numerous areas continue to face further fire threats, encompassing parts of the Ionian Islands, Western Greece, the Peloponnese, Central Greece, and beyond.
Last month, wildfires ravaged Greece's fifth-largest island, Chios, consuming approximately 4,700 hectares (11,600 acres) of land, while earlier in July, fires in Crete necessitated the evacuation of 5,000 tourists.
Greece's Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister, Giannis Kefalogiannis, expressed concern over the situation, stating, "We have injured firefighters, human lives were put at risk, properties have been burned, and forest areas have been destroyed." High winds coupled with extreme temperatures have exacerbated the wildfires, leading Greece to formally request additional resources from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, including six more firefighting aircraft.
In the Attica region, the fire that ignited in Afidnes on Saturday has swiftly spread to areas like Drosopigi, Kryoneri, and Agios Stefanos, forcing widespread evacuations. While authorities report that the main fire front has been contained, isolated hotspots continue to burn, with over 200 firefighters, along with helicopters and water-bombing aircraft, actively working to subdue the flames.
On the island of Evia, another fire near Pissona has spiraled out of control, rapidly advancing towards Afrati. The blaze has disrupted power across several villages, including Pournos and Mistros, which are now without electricity due to destroyed power lines. So far, six firefighters have been hospitalized due to burns and smoke inhalation, with 115 personnel still involved in combating the flames. Mayor Giorgos Psathas of Dirfyon-Messapion stated, "The destruction is incalculable."
In Kythira, a large wildfire has engulfed parts of the island, leaving residents in shock as they witness "total destruction." Emergency evacuations have taken place, with the coastguard and private boats facilitating the safe passage of 139 individuals from Limnionas beach to Kapsali port.
In Messinia, a fourth wildfire erupted in the Polithea area of Trifylia on Saturday morning, intensifying throughout the day. Authorities issued five emergency alerts through the national 112 system, urging residents to abandon their villages. The strong winds complicate firefighting efforts, with 84 firefighters, 30 vehicles, and seven aircraft working to control the blaze.
Additionally, another wildfire rages in Crete's Chania region, specifically in Temenia, where flames emerged from two separate locations, leading to the destruction of at least two homes. Numerous areas continue to face further fire threats, encompassing parts of the Ionian Islands, Western Greece, the Peloponnese, Central Greece, and beyond.
Last month, wildfires ravaged Greece's fifth-largest island, Chios, consuming approximately 4,700 hectares (11,600 acres) of land, while earlier in July, fires in Crete necessitated the evacuation of 5,000 tourists.
