Greece Seeks EU Aid as Wildfires Rage Amid Record Heatwave

Greece has formally requested assistance from the European Union to combat a series of wildfires that have emerged across the country, driven by an extreme heatwave that has pushed temperatures above 45°C. As fierce winds exacerbate the situation, flames are threatening communities near Athens and throughout various regions, including the Peloponnese peninsula and the islands of Crete, Euboea, and Kythera.

Fire brigade spokesman Vathrakogiannis provided a grave assessment during a briefing, stating, “The hard part is ahead of us.” He noted that several areas are under the highest alert level—Red Category 5—indicating an extreme risk of wildfires. In the past 24 hours, firefighters have responded to 52 fires, with 44 of those extinguished at the initial stage.

Greece’s request for aid includes the deployment of six firefighting aircraft through the EU’s RescEU mechanism. Firefighting units from the Czech Republic are already on the ground, assisting local teams in their efforts to contain the blazes.

Evacuations and Damage Reports

One of the most challenging fronts is located just 30 kilometres (approximately 20 miles) north of Athens, where authorities have ordered the evacuation of the village of Drosopigi. Reports indicate that multiple houses in the village are ablaze, with strong winds pushing flames across properties. The fire has also reached the nearby village of Kryoneri, where additional homes are reported to be burning. Municipal adviser Giannis Moniakis expressed concern, indicating that the situation is both difficult and unpredictable due to sudden bursts of fire caused by wind gusts.

Emergency services have evacuated at least 27 residents from their homes in affected areas. On the island of Kythera, a wildfire trapped dozens of individuals on a beach, necessitating rescue operations by a coastguard vessel and three private boats.

The current heatwave, which began on July 21, 2023, is expected to persist until Monday, according to Greece’s weather service. The National Observatory in Athens recorded the highest temperature of 45.8°C in Messinia on Friday, while 45.2°C was measured in Amfilohia on Saturday. The extreme temperatures have not only fueled the fires but have also impacted firefighting efforts; two fire trucks were destroyed in Euboea, resulting in two firefighters being hospitalized with light injuries.

Local Leaders Speak Out

As the situation continues to escalate, local officials are expressing their concerns. District mayor Giorgos Psathas from Chalcis on Euboea described the devastation, stating, “The situation is out of control. The destruction is immeasurable.” He highlighted that several pig farms on the outskirts of town have already been engulfed by flames.

In the Peloponnese region, evacuations are ongoing, with authorities deeming the fire front extremely dangerous. The dire circumstances underscore the urgent need for coordinated efforts to manage the crisis effectively. As Greece grapples with these challenges, the international community watches closely, ready to offer support as needed.

With a dedicated team of approximately 2,400 staff from over 100 nationalities, AFP remains committed to providing comprehensive and verified coverage of this unfolding disaster, highlighting the human impact and the urgent response required in the face of natural calamity.