Massive forest fires continue in Greece, engulfing several regions of the country. The flames have destroyed hundreds of homes, residents of populated areas are being evacuated, and rescue workers continue to battle the blazes. This was reported by Deutsche Presse-Agentur, writes UNN.
Details
The situation remains most critical approximately 60 kilometers northwest of Athens, where huge clouds of smoke are clearly visible from the capital.
On Saturday morning, several villages in the affected region were evacuated again as a precautionary measure.
The coast guard rescued 12 people from a beach in the Porto Germeno area, the Kathimerini newspaper reported.
The seaside village, located about 50 kilometers west of Athens, has been particularly hard hit by the fires. According to the fire service, the fire is raging on three fronts there.
About 100 houses in this area have already burned down, the deputy mayor of the municipality of Mandra told Greek television channel ERTNews.
Due to strong winds, it is currently impossible to deploy any firefighting aircraft. We hope the wind will die down. There is no other option
A government official urged residents not to return to the evacuated villages for now.
According to satellite images, the risk zone, part of which is still burning, covers an area of approximately 6 by 6 kilometers.
Currently, about 325 firefighters and volunteers, 92 units of equipment, 18 firefighting aircraft, and 7 helicopters are working in the region, the fire service reported on social media X.
Fire on Crete brought under control
Police are also working around the clock to regulate traffic in the area near the popular Peloponnese peninsula. In the northern Peloponnese, fires are also ongoing on two fronts.
A fire service representative said that on Friday evening, rescue workers were battling fires in 73 locations.
Meanwhile, firefighters have managed to bring a large fire in southern Crete under control. However, according to Kathimerini, about 220 firefighters remain on site.
Aerial firefighting is still impossible due to strong winds, and gusts are fanning smoldering embers, causing new small ignitions.
An investigation into the cause of the fire on Crete is ongoing. It is believed it may have started due to damage to power poles.
Civil protection authorities have declared the highest, red alert level for the Greater Athens region and the southern part of the island of Evia.
The second-highest danger level is in effect for Crete, the Peloponnese, and the Aegean Islands, including the Cyclades, Chios, and Lesbos in the eastern Aegean Sea.
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