Severe Wildfire Erupts in Keratea, Greece, Triggering Evacuations
On August 8, 2025, a significant wildfire broke out in Keratea, located approximately 35 kilometers southeast of Athens, compelling authorities to issue evacuation orders and initiate an emergency response. Winds gusting up to 80 kilometers per hour have exacerbated the situation, complicating firefighting efforts, reports 24brussels.
The fire erupted in the Manoutso area, quickly spreading through both residential neighborhoods and adjacent forested regions characterized by dry grasslands and agricultural land, as reported by Greece’s national broadcaster ERT. The blaze has advanced over seven kilometers, damaging multiple homes and obstructing several roads.
In response to the escalating emergency, authorities issued numerous alerts urging residents to evacuate. Hellenic Police confirmed the safe evacuation of at least 10 elderly individuals from the impacted areas. However, the situation intensified tragically as the Greek Coast Guard reported the drowning deaths of two Vietnamese tourists on the island of Milos, where hurricane-force winds disrupted maritime activities and stoked further wildfires.
Witnesses revealed that a woman fell into the sea while attempting to capture a photograph of the coastline amidst the strong winds, prompting her husband to dive in to rescue her. Sadly, both lost their lives in the turbulent waters.
With wind speeds reaching up to 80 kilometers per hour (approximately 50 mph) across the region, maritime traffic has faced significant disruptions. Tourists found themselves stranded for extended periods at the port of Piraeus, unable to board ferries destined for the Aegean islands due to a sailing ban imposed by authorities. By around 1 p.m. GMT, larger ferries resumed operations, allowing some vessels to depart for the islands of Paros and Naxos.
The ongoing wildfire crisis highlights the increasing prevalence of extreme weather events and the challenges faced by emergency services in combating rapidly spreading wildfires under severe conditions.
