An infant’s hospital has been cleared as numerous firefighters are working hard to control a significant wildfire close to Athens.
The blaze has covered the heart of the Greek capital in smoke and has necessitated authorities to issue evacuation directives for over a dozen regions, including the historical town of Marathon.
Firefighters mentioned that a military infirmary was also being cleared on Monday.
In a recent report, officials stated that 29 aircraft and helicopters equipped for water-dropping were being dispatched in rotations as the fire rages through woodland and greenery at the northern outskirts of the city.
Regional media detailed that two firefighters sustained minor injuries, while multiple civilians were receiving medical attention in hospitals due to smoke inhalation.
As the sun rose on Monday, over 500 firefighters and 16 squads of firefighters specially trained in tackling wildfires were combating the inferno.
In addition to aerial assistance, they were also supported by 152 vehicles and a substantial number of volunteers.
Authorities reported that flames had reached heights exceeding 25m (82ft) as temperatures continued around 35C (95F).
Recent images displayed structures aflame and infrastructure in ruins as fires spread through parched vegetation.
Inhabitants of neighboring villages were urged through emergency text alerts to evacuate.
A house ignites in a village to the north of Athens. Pic: AP
Pic: AP
Pic: Reuters
Pic: Reuters
Policemen mentioned that they had to evacuate over 200 individuals, primarily the elderly and others who disregarded the alerts.
Half of the nation is presently under a “red alert” for wildfire risk, as stated by Vassilis Kikilias, the minister in charge of climate crises and civil protection.
A destroyed vehicle amidst the wreckage of a house consumed by the wildfire. Pic: Reuters
Pic: Reuters
Pic: Reuters
Flames have been spreading to trees and dry vegetation. Pic: Reuters
Pic: Reuters
Pic: Reuters
The wildfire ignited on Sunday afternoon approximately 20 miles from Athens, propelled by intense winds and sustained by the arid conditions following recurrent heatwaves. The current extent of the fires’ coverage remains uncertain.
Officials mentioned that another fire positioned to the west of Athens had been successfully restricted.
Pic: Reuters
Image: Reuters
Image: Reuters
Image: Reuters
The occurrence of wildfires in Greece has surged in recent years during progressively scorching, arid summers associated with climate change.
Data from the fire brigade reveals that over 8,000 fires erupted last year.
Since May, numerous wildfires have ravaged the country, while June and July marked the hottest months ever documented in Greece.
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Image: Reuters
Image: Reuters
This was followed by the warmest winter ever recorded in the country.
Meteorologists and government authorities alike have cautioned about the escalated wildfire risk.
Changing climate patterns are resulting in lengthier and more severe heatwaves and a heightened potential for fires throughout southern Europe.
The neighboring country of Greece, North Macedonia, has been grappling with numerous wildfires recently, fueled by scorching temperatures and strong winds.
