Greece is grappling with a severe wildfire crisis as intense heat and strong winds fuel devastating blazes across the country. Thousands have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses as flames threaten major cities and picturesque islands. The extreme weather conditions have exacerbated the situation, making firefighting efforts incredibly challenging.
Key Takeaways
- Fast-moving wildfires, driven by high temperatures and strong winds, are scorching Greece.
- Thousands of residents and tourists have been evacuated from affected areas, including near Patras and on the islands of Chios and Zakynthos.
- Homes, businesses, farms, and vehicles have been destroyed, with significant land area burned.
- The crisis is part of a broader heatwave affecting southern Europe, with other countries like Spain and Portugal also battling significant fires.
- Firefighters are working tirelessly, with international assistance requested to combat the numerous blazes.
Devastating Impact Near Patras
In western Greece, the outskirts of Patras, the country’s third-largest city, are under threat from rapidly advancing wildfires. These fires have already led to the evacuation of a children’s hospital and sent plumes of smoke across the city’s skyline. The Achaia region surrounding Patras has seen nearly 10,000 hectares consumed by flames over two days. Entire villages have been emptied, and numerous homes, businesses, and hundreds of vehicles, including over 500 cars at a customs yard, have been incinerated. Temperatures in the region have reached 38C (100.4F), with scorching winds fanning the flames and causing breathing difficulties for some residents.
Island Evacuations and Rescue Operations
Fires are also raging on the popular tourist islands of Zante and Chios. On Chios, coastguard vessels have been used to rescue dozens of people as flames approached the shores. The intensity of the smoke on Chios led to the evacuation of people from the small harbor of Limnia.
Widespread European Heatwave and Fires
The Greek wildfires are occurring against the backdrop of a severe heatwave gripping southern Europe. Spain has reported civilian and firefighter fatalities due to extreme heat and fires, with vast areas at high risk. Portugal is deploying 1,800 firefighters to combat multiple blazes, while Albania and Montenegro are also experiencing significant wildfire activity. Italy has managed to control a fire on Mount Vesuvius but remains under extreme heat warnings.
Response and Outlook
Greece has deployed approximately 5,000 firefighters, supported by 33 aircraft, to tackle over 20 active wildfires. The country has also requested assistance from fellow European Union members, including water-bombing aircraft, through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Officials warn that the wildfire risk remains very high across most of the country, with temperatures expected to continue to be elevated. Meteorologists attribute these extreme weather events to human-induced climate change, noting an increase in the frequency and intensity of such phenomena.
Sources
- Wildfire threatens major Greek city as heatwave grips Europe, BBC.
- Wildfires scorch Greece for a second day, thousands evacuated, Reuters.
- Wildfire approaches horse enclosure on Chios Island, BBC.
- Wildfires scorch Greece as heatwave grips parts of Europe | Climate Crisis News, Al Jazeera.
- At least one killed as firefighters battle Greece blaze for second day | Climate News, Al Jazeera.
