Greek firefighters have made significant progress in combating a devastating forest fire that has engulfed the suburbs of Athens for three consecutive days. The fire, which originated in Varnavas, approximately 35 km northeast of Athens, has tragically claimed the life of a Moldovan woman and resulted in numerous injuries, with over sixty individuals requiring medical attention. The blaze has wreaked havoc, displacing thousands and causing substantial damage to around one hundred homes.
The inferno, fueled by fierce winds, expanded to a staggering 10,000 hectares, creating a front of flames stretching 30 kilometers and reaching heights of over 25 meters. Despite the ongoing efforts of approximately 700 firefighters, equipped with 200 vehicles and nine aircraft, the risk of further fires remains high, particularly in northern Greece. Authorities are on high alert as the fire continues to threaten additional communities.
In response to the crisis, the Greek Interior Ministry has allocated 4.7 million euros to assist the eight municipalities affected by the disaster. Additionally, international aid is arriving, with nearly 300 firefighters and resources dispatched from countries such as France, Italy, and Turkey to bolster local firefighting efforts. The World Health Organization has also expressed readiness to address the urgent health needs of the impacted communities, as air quality has deteriorated significantly due to smoke and airborne particles.
This incident has sparked criticism of the Greek government, with media outlets highlighting the chaos and destruction caused by the fire, reminiscent of the tragic Mati fire disaster in 2018 that resulted in 104 fatalities. As Greece grapples with the ongoing climate crisis, scientists warn that the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are exacerbated by fossil fuel emissions, posing a growing threat not only to Greece but to Europe as a whole.
- The situation remains fluid as firefighters continue to battle the flames, with pockets of fire still present across the affected areas. Local residents have shared harrowing accounts of their losses, with many now seeking shelter in stadiums and emergency facilities set up by authorities. The community's resilience is being tested as they face the aftermath of this catastrophic event.
- Experts are urging immediate action on climate change, emphasizing the need for global leaders to fulfill their commitments to combat the climate crisis. The recent heatwave affecting multiple European countries, including France and Italy, highlights the urgency of addressing environmental issues to prevent future disasters.
