Raging wildfires force evacuation of villages in northern Greece

·

An extensive summer wildfire fuelled by strong winds has caused the evacuation of villages in northern Greece over the weekend.

Authorities in Greece undertook the evacuation of eight villages situated near the northeastern border with Turkey on Saturday. A further five villages were evacuated on Sunday with strong fire warnings for Monday in the regions close to Athens, and other parts of southern Greece.

No immediate reports of injuries to either residents or firefighters have surfaced.

According to the fire service, the blaze was proving difficult to contain despite the efforts of over 200 firefighters. These firefighters were aided by a squadron of 16 water-dropping planes and three helicopters, reported Ekathimerini.

Additional personnel were dispatched from different parts of the country to provide reinforcements.

Greece’s Minister for Civil Protection, Vassilis Kikilias, said firefighters, police, army personnel and volunteers were “waging an intense battle” in the Alexandroupoli area on Sunday.

“No outdoors work that could trigger a fire will be permitted,” he said. “We must all protect our country.”

Inhabitants of Alexandroupoli were advised to shut their windows due to the smoke that had enveloped the town from the fire’s direction.

The ignition of the forest fire transpired in the early hours of Saturday, originating near the village of Melia, located to the east of Alexandroupoli. Authorities acknowledged that two of the evacuated villages sustained property damages.

An inside view of a burnt church after a wildfire in a village near the northeastern town of Alexandroupolis, Greece, Sunday, August 20. Photo: Ilias Kotsireas.

The situation led to the temporary closure of a significant segment of a major highway in the vicinity, prompted by the dense smoke that had engulfed the area.

Attributing the escalating frequency and intensity of wildfires across Europe to climate change, European Union officials highlighted that 2022 marked the second most severe year for wildfire-related destruction on record, second only to 2017.

In a separate incident, a smaller wildfire was reported to be ablaze near Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece, located in the northern part of the country. In preceding developments, firefighters successfully managed to bring a blaze under control on the western island of Cephalonia.

The fire service has issued a high alert for wildfire risk over the weekend.

Source: Ekathimerini

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek Deputy Minister signals openness to reform after diaspora letter on Honorary Consulate

Greece’s Deputy Foreign Minister for the Diaspora, Ioannis Loverdos, has responded to an open letter about Queensland's Honorary Consulate.

Government urged to act as Armenian and Greek Genocides commemorated in Canberra

The 110th anniversary of the Armenian and Greek Genocides was solemnly commemorated at the ACT Legislative Assembly in Canberra on Tuesday.

Sewn with love: Leah Plakias’ 14-month-long journey towards dress of her dreams

Come New Year, resolutions run awry. Some we keep, others take a back seat. For Leah, 2024 saw her tackle one of her biggest to date.

Pallaconian Association of Canberra marks 25 years with ‘Taste of Laconia’ celebration

The Pallaconian Association of Canberra & Districts celebrated their 25th Anniversary by hosting ‘Taste of Laconia’.

Cypriot Community of Apostle Andrew in Melbourne celebrates 70th anniversary

Over 400 people gathered on Saturday evening, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Cypriot Community of Apostle Andrew.

You May Also Like

BREAKING: Tsitsipas incredible perfomance vs. Djokovic not enough to reach French Open grand final

One of the greatest comebacks in French Open history was almost in the hands of Stefanos Tsitsipas Saturday morning, yet was stolen away by a great performance by World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, beating the Greek tennis player 6-3 6-2 5-7 4-6 6-1.

JPMorgan CEO says he’s ‘optimistic for Greece’ as financial giant deepens investment

The CEO of JPMorgan Chase & Co, Jamie Dimon, has confirmed the institution is willing to invest further in Viva Wallet.

Young designer, Krisi Patras, turning a 1970s renovation into her forever home

Greek Australian interior designer, Krisi Patras, and her partner are turning a 1970s renovation in Coburg into their dream home.