LOUTRAKI, Greece — Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate seaside resorts near Athens as raging wildfires continue to spread. High winds, coupled with extremely hot and dry conditions, have fueled the flames, causing devastation in their wake.
Evacuation Efforts Underway
The army, police special forces, and dedicated volunteers are working tirelessly to assist those in need. Retirees have been freed from their homes, horses have been rescued from a stable, and monks have been helped to safety from a nearby monastery that was in danger.
Aerial Support and Evacuations
Water-dropping planes and helicopters have been deployed to combat the raging flames near Lagonisi, a town located 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of the capital. Meanwhile, a second significant wildfire has broken out in a wooded area near the resort town of Loutraki, which is approximately 90 kilometers (55 miles) west of Athens. As a result, a children's summer camp and a rehabilitation center for seniors in the vicinity have been evacuated.
Challenges Faced by Firefighters
Yiannis Artopios, a spokesperson for the Fire Service, describes the difficulties faced by firefighters when combating these relentless blazes. The strong and unpredictable winds, along with the challenging terrain, have hampered firefighting efforts.
The battle against these wildfires is ongoing, as emergency responders work tirelessly to protect lives and property.
Responding to Constantly Changing Conditions
In the face of an escalating wildfire crisis, the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, highlighted the unprecedented challenges posed by these devastating events. Speaking during talks between European Union leaders and representatives from Latin American and Caribbean nations in Brussels, Mitsotakis emphasized that while wildfires have always been a part of Greece's reality, their intensity has dramatically increased due to the climate crisis.
To address the raging fires, multiple evacuations have been ordered, with evacuees gathering along the coastline or finding refuge in local schools and hotels. Coast guard vessels have also been dispatched to smoke-heavy beachfronts, ready to provide assistance if necessary.
The recent four-day heat wave that gripped the region resulted in Greater Athens and much of southern Greece being placed on high alert for wildfires. Although the situation has slightly improved over the weekend, temperatures are expected to rise again later in the week, further exacerbating the already critical conditions.
To ensure the safety of residents and visitors in affected areas, the Civil Protection Ministry sent out cell phone alerts notifying people of the potential dangers. However, the effectiveness of these alerts was hindered by intermittent cell phone reception outages, which posed challenges to both officials and those being evacuated.
