The wildfires in Athens continue to rage on, causing devastation and prompting new evacuation alerts in the Greek seaside town of Nea Makri. The fires have already claimed one life, with a body believed to be that of a woman found in a shop in Vrilissia, northern Athens.
Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate as firefighters battle to protect homes, businesses, and schools from the flames. The situation remains dire, with firefighters exhausted and focusing on hotspots rather than one major fire front.
Helicopters have been circling the skies after being grounded overnight for safety reasons, while residents in unaffected areas have reported ash settling on their balconies. The air in Athens remains hazy, and conditions for new fires are expected to remain dangerous in the coming days.
The fires have already affected around 100,000 acres of land, with explosions heard in the area, likely from fuel tanks and residential gas cylinders. Despite the danger, some residents have chosen to stay and fight the fires themselves.
European nations have offered assistance to Greece, with Italy, France, Serbia, Spain, the Czech Republic, and Romania sending planes, helicopters, vehicles, personnel, and aid. Turkey is also preparing to send support.
As Greece grapples with the devastating wildfires, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pledged the EU’s support. The fires serve as a stark reminder of the impact of climate change, with hot, dry weather fueling the flames. Unless significant action is taken to reduce emissions, the risk of wildfires will continue to rise.
