Wildfires sweep Zakynthos, Kefalonia and mainland Greece prompting mass evacuations

·

Multiple wildfires are raging across Greece, forcing urgent evacuations as strong winds and difficult terrain hamper firefighting efforts.

On Zakynthos, a large blaze near Kiliomeno spread to the outskirts of Agalás, threatening Kerí and Lithakiá.

Authorities issued several 112 alerts, ordering evacuations from Agalás to Kerí and from Lake Kerí to Zakynthos Town. At least one unoccupied house was destroyed and up to six others damaged.

A hotel in Apeláti was evacuated, while another initially refused to comply until firefighters intervened. More than 60 firefighters, two ground teams, 17 vehicles, two water-bombing aircraft and a helicopter are tackling the fire, supported by reinforcements from Patras and Kyllíni.

In Kefalonia, a fire in Laggáda, Argostoli, forced residents of Farakláta, Dilináta and Davgáta to evacuate towards Mýrtos, with sixty firefighters and aerial resources working to protect homes.

In Achaia, large-scale evacuations have been ordered in Western Achaia and the Erymanthos plain, with residents moved from industrial zones to the sea. Several villages are affected and the Patras–Tripoli National Road has been closed. Fifty firefighters, two ground teams, 12 vehicles, seven aircraft and a helicopter are engaged, with unconfirmed reports of burn injuries.

In Aetolia-Acarnania, a blaze near Paliampela, Vonitsa, destroyed at least one house and is advancing toward commercial areas. More than 85 firefighters and extensive aerial support are on scene.

In Preveza, flames in Gymnótópos have reached the village, threatening homes and prompting a closure of the Ionian Motorway and evacuations from Driófytos.

Fires in Ammótópos, Arta, and Daphnós, Fokida, are under control, though crews remain on site to prevent flare-ups.

On Lesvos, a blaze near the Moní Leimónos monastery burned eight acres before being contained by 30 firefighters, two aircraft and municipal water trucks.

In Chios, fires between Potamiá and Pispilounta have triggered evacuations towards Volissós, with 25 firefighters and a helicopter on scene and reinforcements expected.

In Patras, a separate apartment fire on Grevenon Street has trapped residents, with crews working on rescues.

Meanwhile, new fires have been reported near Elaiochóri in Messinia and in Alexandroupoli, where a vacant lot blaze destroyed vehicles and machinery.

Authorities are investigating suspected arson in Aetolia-Acarnania and Epirus, following multiple recent outbreaks. An incendiary device was found in Drosia, Attica, and a suspect is in custody.

Civil Protection has placed nine regions on high fire risk (orange alert) and is urging residents to follow evacuation orders and avoid any activity that could ignite further blazes.

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Latest News

Cyprus Community of NSW launches Family Heritage Register ahead of centenary

Families of Cypriot descent across New South Wales are being invited to help preserve their stories, memories and family records.

Newlywed Cassandra Diamantis faces post-wedding name dilemma

Sydney entrepreneur Cassandra Diamantis says she is grappling with whether to take her husband’s surname after their recent wedding.

Greece and France to fast track updated defence pact with mutual defence clause

Greece and France are expected to finalise an updated military cooperation agreement within the next one to two months.

Greece moves to institutionalise postal voting for citizens living abroad

Greek government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis says postal voting will be institutionalised in elections for voters living outside Greece.

PAOK supporters pay emotional farewell to seven fans killed in Romania crash

PAOK supporters gathered at Toumba Stadium on Thursday night to pay an emotional farewell to seven young fans who were killed.

You May Also Like

Greece, Egypt seek Biden role in East Mediterranean dispute

Kyriakos Mitsotakis has said he expects US President-elect Joe Biden to play a more active role in easing tension in the east Med.

A tribute to our immigrant parents’ generation: My Father

"Even if he wasn't my father, I'd want to write about this man who I consider to be a role model and a hero," writes Kathy Karageorgiou.

Lecture on history of the Hellenic presence in Australia to be held in Melbourne

On Wednesday, 24 April, a free public lecture by Macquarie University's Leonard Janiszewski & Effy Alexakis will be held.