VOLOS, Greek: In efforts to combat the wildfires that have been devastating Greece for the past two weeks, Greek fire crews are racing against time before strong winds, forecast for the day, reignite the blazes.
The fires have already claimed five lives and caused extensive damage to the country’s landscapes and properties.
With hundreds of firefighters working tirelessly, aided by reinforcements from the European Union, the battle is focused on multiple fronts. The islands of Rhodes, Corfu, and Evia have been particularly hard-hit, while a new fire emerged in central Greece on Wednesday, adding to the challenges faced by the responders.
The situation remains critical as more than 600 wildfires have erupted across the country since July 13, posing an extreme fire danger in over a dozen Greek regions on Thursday, as warned by the civil protection ministry, according to Arab News.
Evacuations have been a crucial part of the emergency response, with tens of thousands of residents and tourists forced to leave their homes and holiday destinations. One notable evacuation involved 20,000 people from Rhodes, one of the most affected areas.
Tragically, the fires have resulted in the loss of life. In the industrial zone of Volos, located in central Greece, a dangerous fire claimed the lives of two individuals. Among the victims was an elderly disabled woman found dead inside her burned camper van in a coastal area near Volos, while a cattle farmer perished while attempting to rescue his livestock.
The severity of the situation led to the closure of the industrial zone as a precautionary measure. Additionally, six communities and villages surrounding the city of Volos were evacuated early Thursday, with more areas placed on standby.
While there is a glimmer of hope with temperatures expected to drop on Thursday after a prolonged heatwave, near-gale winds pose a new challenge for the firefighting teams, potentially hindering their efforts to extinguish the flames.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed the cabinet on Wednesday, expressing concern about the coming days, which are anticipated to be arduous due to the combination of a heatwave and strong winds. The prime minister’s concern reflects the severity of the situation and its potential impact on the safety and well-being of the population.
Civil protection minister Vassilis Kikilias emphasized the severity of the ongoing crisis in a televised address, highlighting that Greece is not the only Mediterranean country facing such challenges. The region is experiencing extreme weather conditions with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, contributing to the development of vast fire fronts, stretching over many kilometres. The strain on firefighting crews is immense, with Kikilias acknowledging their extraordinary dedication in battling through “inconceivable fatigue.”
Scientists from the World Weather Attribution group have linked the intensity of the heatwaves that have plagued parts of Europe and North America this month to human-caused climate change. The wildfires in Greece serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate-related issues and their potentially catastrophic consequences.
To aid in the emergency response, the European Union has dispatched substantial support through its civil protection mechanism. Over 490 firefighters and seven planes have been deployed to various areas in Greece, demonstrating international solidarity in the face of this natural disaster.
As the Greek fire crews continue to battle these ferocious wildfires, the nation remains on high alert, hoping that they can control the blazes before further devastation occurs. With the unpredictable nature of wildfires and the forecasted winds, the collective efforts of firefighters and support from the EU are vital in protecting lives, properties, and the country’s natural heritage. The resilience of Greece will be put to the test, but the determination and bravery of its firefighting teams give hope in these challenging times.
