Deadly Wildfires Break Out Near Athens, Greece
Greece has been hit by one of its worst wildfires this year, with at least one person confirmed dead as flames spread on the outskirts of the capital, Athens. Authorities have managed to control most of the fires, but there are still some scattered hot spots that could reignite in the coming days.
The recent wildfires are part of a concerning trend due to climate change, with intense heatwaves and reduced rainfall creating perfect conditions for fires in the Mediterranean country. In 2023 alone, 42,900 hectares of land have been burned, nearly double the area burned in 2022 and triple that of 2020.
The fires began on Sunday near Varnavas, north of Athens, spreading quickly through dry pine forests and reaching suburbs. Evacuation orders were issued, but the fires still caused damage to homes and forced hospitals and monasteries to evacuate.
With hundreds of firefighters, water-bombing planes, and helicopters battling the flames, progress has been made in extinguishing the fires. However, more hot spots could emerge, with meteorologists warning of continued dangerous weather conditions throughout the week.
Several countries, including France, Turkey, and Italy, have offered assistance to Greece in fighting the wildfires. Leaders and experts are calling for more emphasis on prevention measures to manage forests and dry areas effectively.
As the situation remains volatile, authorities are urging caution and vigilance in the affected regions near Athens to ensure the safety of residents and travelers. Efforts are ongoing to contain the fires and prevent further damage to homes and natural landscapes.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com