“Wildfire Ravages Athens Outskirts, Forcing Evacuations and Heightening Blaze Risk Across Greece.”
Wildfire Ravages Athens Outskirts, Threatening Evacuations and New Blazes
Firefighting Struggle and Ongoing Evacuations:
Overnight efforts by hundreds of firefighters to control a raging wildfire on the outskirts of Athens proved challenging, leading to more evacuations. Authorities raised concerns about the elevated risk of new fires across the country.
Fatalities and Wind-Driven Spread:
Since the outbreak of fires in northern Greece on Saturday, the toll has risen to twenty lives lost. The fires rapidly expanded, driven by strong gale-force winds, marking the second major wildfire incident this summer.
Battle Near Athens and Urgent Evacuations
Fire’s Path Towards Menidi:
A blaze that ignited near the village of Fyli, located on the foothills of Mount Parnitha, extended its reach toward the town of Menidi, situated approximately 25 km (15 miles) north of Athens. Around 150 individuals from three nursing homes had to be urgently evacuated, as confirmed by a local official.
Efforts to Protect Homes:
Stathis Topalidis, deputy mayor of Menidi, highlighted the successful defense of homes against the encroaching flames. However, the persistent winds posed ongoing challenges to containment efforts.
Devastation and Rescues Amidst Chaos
Impact on Fyli:
The fire’s destructive path encompassed Fyli, resulting in the destruction of homes and vehicles. Residents were compelled to flee on foot, their faces shrouded by clothing due to the thick smoke that blanketed the capital.
Animal Rescues and Volunteer Efforts:
Amid the chaos, volunteers loaded sheep into car trunks in a desperate bid to save them from the encroaching inferno.
Tragedy in Evros and Widespread Consequences
Migrant Victims and European Border Region:
In the northern Evros region, close to the Turkish border, rescue teams discovered 18 charred bodies, believed to be migrants. The area is frequented by individuals seeking entry into the European Union from the Middle East and Asia.
Healthcare Evacuations and Smoke’s Wide Reach:
In Alexandroupolis, a Greek port city nearby, numerous hospital patients, some on stretchers and others connected to IV drips, were evacuated onto a ferry. Satellite imagery revealed that smoke from the Evros fires had extended its reach across the country, even reaching the Ionian islands near Italy.
Also Read: Maui Wildfire Updates: 60 survived in a single house and 111 dead what happened!
Unprecedented Weather and Environmental Concerns
Climate Change Connection:
This year’s summer wildfires have been exacerbated by extremely hot, dry, and windy weather, a situation scientists attribute to climate change.
Prior Incidents and Tourist Evacuations:
In July, the island of Rhodes witnessed a week-long blaze, resulting in the evacuation of tens of thousands of foreign tourists. The fire consumed hotels, resorts, and large tracts of land.
Be the first to comment