Greece is currently facing a devastating situation as wildfires continue to ravage the country, destroying at least 10,000 hectares of land and leading to the death of one person. Tens of thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate their homes north of Athens as the fires rage on.
Evacuation orders have been issued, and the fire has caused significant damage to homes and businesses in several areas. Despite the destruction, there is hope as the strong winds fueling the blaze have begun to die down.
International assistance from fellow EU members like France, Italy, and the Czech Republic, as well as neighboring Turkey, is expected to arrive soon. Additionally, the European Commission is activating a system to aid countries affected by wildfires, including Albania.
PM Criticized by the Press
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has come under fire from the Greek press for his delayed response to the disaster. The media has criticized his handling of the situation and called for urgent action to address the aftermath of the fires.
Firefighters Struggling Amidst Climatic Challenges
The Fire Department is battling numerous active blazes around Marathon and Pendeli, with firefighters exhausted from months of intense work. Climate scientists warn that wildfires are likely to increase in frequency and intensity due to man-made climate change.
Last year, wildfires claimed the lives of 28 people on the island of Rhodes, underscoring the urgent need for measures to combat the escalating threat of wildfires in Greece.
es/nm (AP, AFP)