Fires near Athens have destroyed nearly 100 homes in Greece
Large-scale wildfires are raging in Greece, spreading rapidly in the capital region due to strong winds. The fires are destroying residential buildings and country estates, while rescue workers continue to battle the blaze.
The situation is reported to be most critical about 60 kilometers northwest of Athens. On Saturday morning, several villages in the affected region were evacuated as a precautionary measure.
The village of Porto Germeno, located about 50 kilometers west of Athens, has been particularly hard hit by the fires; flames are raging on three sides of the village. A Coast Guard boat rescued 12 people from a local beach.
The deputy mayor of the municipality of Mandra stated that about 100 homes have burned down in the area so far.
“Due to strong winds, it is currently impossible to deploy firefighting planes. We hope the wind will die down. There is no other option,” the official added.
He urged evacuated residents not to return home yet.
According to a fire department spokesperson, homes, livestock barns, and country estates have been destroyed in the region.
About 325 firefighters and volunteers, 92 vehicles, 18 firefighting planes, and 7 helicopters have been deployed to fight the fire.
This was reported by DPA.
Strong winds are fanning new wildfires in Greece.
Forest fires in Greece have claimed the lives of three rescue workers.
Greek authorities have temporarily suspended outdoor manual labor and certain delivery services in regions where extreme heat is expected. Violators of the new restrictions face fines.
