Greece Faces Devastating Forest Fires Amid Record Heatwave
Greece is grappling with severe forest fires as the country experiences one of its hottest summers on record. With temperatures soaring to 44°C and a winter that was the mildest on record, authorities are bracing for a tense season. The Athens region, particularly Attica, has been hit hard, with fires raging in various locations.
Fires in Keratea and Stamata
On Sunday, two major fires erupted in Keratea, about 20 kilometers south of Athens, and in the suburb of Stamata. In Keratea, approximately 140 firefighters, 39 vehicles, eight helicopters, and nine planes were deployed to battle the flames. Despite their efforts, at least four houses were completely destroyed. The strong winds exacerbated the situation, making it difficult to control the fire. Similarly, in Stamata, residents were urged to evacuate as the fire threatened their homes.
Industrial and Island Fires
The fires also spread to an industrial zone in Ritsona on the island of Euboea, where black smoke billowed from a recycling plant. Firefighters worked tirelessly to prevent the fire from spreading to other factories. On the island of Serifos, a fire that started on Saturday was finally extinguished by Sunday morning, but not before causing significant damage. The flames ravaged the southwest part of the island, stopping only when they reached the sea.
Government Response and Future Outlook
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has warned that 'difficult times are ahead.' In his weekly Facebook message, he emphasized the importance of new tools and systems, such as surveillance drones, in detecting and managing fires. The Ministry of Civil Protection has issued a forecast map indicating a very high risk of fires in several regions, including Attica, the southern Peloponnese peninsula, the island of Crete, and both the north and south of the Aegean Sea. On Saturday alone, more than forty fires broke out across Greece, with winds often exceeding 100 km/h.
- The situation in Greece is dire, with authorities continuously monitoring and responding to new fire outbreaks. The use of advanced technology, such as surveillance drones, has proven to be a crucial tool in early detection and management of these fires.
- Residents in high-risk areas are advised to stay alert and follow evacuation orders promptly. The government is also focusing on building a culture of prevention and responsibility among its citizens to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters in the future.
- The fires have not only caused significant property damage but also pose a severe threat to the environment and wildlife. The long-term ecological impact of these fires could be devastating, further emphasizing the need for effective fire management and prevention strategies.
