Wildfires Rage in Greece as Government Seeks EU Assistance
Greece has sought aid from the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism to tackle several severe wildfires spreading across the nation, reports 24brussels.
The request involves the deployment of six water-dropping aircraft to combat five to six major wildfire fronts currently active in various regions of the country. The EU has reportedly approved this assistance.
The most alarming fire broke out early Saturday afternoon near Kryoneri, a village at the foothills of Mt. Parnitha, north of Athens. A firefighting contingent of 145 personnel, bolstered by 44 vehicles and numerous volunteers, has been dispatched to the area. At least 17 firefighting aircraft operated until nightfall to address the escalating blaze.
In addition to the fire near Kryoneri, other wildfires were recorded on Kythira Island, in the Messinia prefecture of southern Peloponnese, central Evia Island, and at Temenia in Chania prefecture on Crete, with reports of a subsequent blaze in the Molaous district of Laconia in southeastern Greece.
Forecasters warned that the fire north of Athens appeared particularly perilous as night fell. This area has been prone to devastating wildfires in the past, most recently during August 2021.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and with the summer heat intensifying, further wildfires are anticipated throughout the Mediterranean region. The response draws attention to the ongoing challenges faced by Greek emergency services in managing natural disasters amidst climate change and environmental pressures.
