Greece is engulfed in a fiery crisis as five major wildfires burn across the nation, particularly affecting regions just 30 kilometers north of Athens. Compounded by a relentless heatwave where temperatures may soar to 44C, the situation has been described as dire. Greece's Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister, Giannis Kefalogiannis, reported significant injuries among firefighters and widespread destruction to properties and forests.
With flames reaching central Athens, officials have requested additional aid from the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, specifically seeking six firefighting aircraft.
In the Attica region, a fire originating from Afidnes has swiftly spread through Drosopigi, Kryoneri, and Agios Stefanos, leading to emergency evacuations. While the primary front of the blaze is reportedly contained, firefighters continue to battle scattered hotspots with the support of over 200 personnel, helicopters, and water-bombing aircraft.
On the island of Evia, a second blaze near Pissona has spiraled out of control, heading towards Afrati and affecting local electricity due to damaged pylons and power lines. The destruction has been described as “incalculable” by local leaders, with six firefighters hospitalized due to injuries linked to the fire.
In Kythira, a major wildfire has prompted the evacuation of entire settlements, with 139 individuals rescued by coastguard and private boat assistance. A fourth fire has intensified in Messinia, leading to multiple emergency alerts for villagers in Trifylia, while Crete's Chania region faces a fifth raging wildfire, causing property loss and ongoing threats to numerous areas across Greece.
Last month, wildfires on Chios consumed 4,700 hectares, and earlier wildfire incidents had forced evacuations of thousands of tourists in Crete, underscoring the growing frequency and severity of these environmental emergencies in Greece.
