A devastating wildfire raged closer to Athens, forcing evacuations of at least 11 towns and villages in Greece. The fire broke out on Sunday afternoon and continued to burn in several areas, including the ancient town of Marathon and Mount Penteli north of Athens. At least three hospitals had to be evacuated as the fire spread rapidly.
The Greek fire department appealed to residents to follow evacuation orders, with some people who initially refused to leave their homes later becoming trapped. The fire department’s spokesman warned that the intensity of the fires was expected to increase in the coming hours.
Thick smoke filled the air in affected areas, with residents trying to protect their homes and local businesses. More than 670 firefighters, backed by waterbombing planes, helicopters, and trucks, were battling the flames in dramatic conditions exacerbated by strong winds and drought.
Greek officials advised people to stay indoors with windows closed to protect against the thick smoke affecting air quality. The prime minister cut his holiday short to deal with the crisis, as unprecedented temperatures following record-breaking heat in June and July turned Greece’s terrain into a tinderbox.
The emergency services continue to battle the wildfire, with ongoing evacuation orders and efforts to contain and extinguish the flames. The situation remains critical, with authorities warning of the dangerous conditions and urging residents to follow their directions to ensure their safety.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com
