Wildfires Near Athens Prompt Mass Evacuations and International Assistance
A rapidly spreading wildfire near Athens, Greece, has forced authorities to order evacuations from several neighborhoods. The blaze, which began on Sunday near Varnavas, north of the capital, has intensified, with 685 firefighters and 32 water-bombing aircraft deployed to control the situation. The fire, exacerbated by strong winds, prolonged drought, and challenging terrain, has continued for over 20 hours, showing no signs of abating.
The fire has significantly impacted the area, with Greek public broadcaster ERT estimating its size at over 30 kilometers (19 miles). The flames are advancing towards Penteli, located approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) northeast of Athens, threatening residential areas and the National Observatory of Athens.
Despite wildfires being a common occurrence in Greek summers, climate scientists attribute the increased intensity and frequency of these fires to unusually hot and dry weather linked to global warming. This summer has seen Greece endure its hottest June and July on record, with numerous wildfires already reported.
Local residents have described harrowing scenes, including animals struggling to escape the flames and thick smoke making it nearly impossible to breathe. Reports indicate that at least 13 citizens and two firefighters have been treated for burn and respiratory injuries. The Greek government has requested assistance from the European Union, with France, Italy, the Czech Republic, Spain, and Turkey responding to aid in firefighting efforts.
The situation has raised concerns about a repeat of last summer’s devastating fires, which ravaged several regions and islands. The Greek government has also heightened health and emergency measures, with three hospitals in the Attica region on alert and children evacuated from a hospital in Penteli.
As the crisis unfolds, international support continues to pour in, and the Greek government remains on high alert, urging residents to heed evacuation orders and stay safe amid the ongoing emergency.
