- Thousands evacuated from northern Athens due to wildfires.
- Strong winds expected to worsen the blaze, with gusts up to 43 mph.
- At least one fatality reported, with extensive property damage.
The wildfires near Athens have prompted large-scale evacuations as firefighters scramble to control the rapidly spreading blaze.
The Greek government has sought international assistance through Europe‘s mutual civil protection mechanism to help tackle the fire. Local officials have described the crisis as a “biblical catastrophe,” reflecting the severity of the situation.
Athens Faces “Biblical Catastrophe” as Wildfires Threaten Capital
The wildfires raging in northern Athens have led to mass evacuations, with thousands of residents fleeing their homes as the flames advance. Firefighters are struggling to contain the blaze, which has already caused significant destruction to property and infrastructure. The situation is exacerbated by forecasted strong winds, which are expected to spread the fire further.
Greece has activated Europe’s mutual civil protection mechanism, requesting aid from other countries to assist in firefighting efforts. The fire, which began northeast of Athens, has been described by local officials as a “biblical catastrophe” due to its scale and intensity. Flames have reached heights of over 80 feet, and the smoke has blanketed the city center.
Meteorologists have warned that gusts of up to 43 miles per hour could worsen the situation, making the fire harder to control and increasing the risk to both lives and property. The urgency of the situation is reflected in the rapid response from Greek authorities and the international community.
With at least one confirmed death and widespread damage, the impact of the wildfire on Athens is severe. The situation remains fluid, and ongoing efforts are focused on controlling the blaze and preventing further loss.
The wildfires near Athens represent a significant crisis, with strong winds threatening to further escalate the situation. The international response and ongoing firefighting efforts are critical as Greece faces this devastating emergency.
“The fire began on Sunday afternoon about 35 kilometers (22 miles) northeast of Athens burning several homes and businesses and sending a blanket of smoke and ash over the city centre.”
