The fires that broke out on Sunday quickly got out of control as a result of strong winds. The Greek newspaper Proto Thema writes that the fire has spread over an area of over 100 square kilometers. Satellite images from before and after the fire show how large areas of the Attica peninsula have been burned, and a huge blanket of smoke has settled over Athens and nearby areas. Witnesses and firefighters have described a 30-kilometer-long wall of flames that has reached more than 25 meters into the air and is moving ever closer to Athens. Hundreds of firefighters, vehicles and aircraft have battled the flames that broke out in the village of Varnavas, 35 kilometers north of the Greek capital. Person found dead Houses and buildings, vehicles and dry forest have been taken by the fire, which on Monday reached the suburbs of Athens. It has led to panic in the Greek capital as large amounts of smoke and ash have settled over the city. On Monday, a person was found dead in one of these suburbs, according to the fire service. It is supposed to be about a woman from Moldova who was found dead in a burned-down factory in the suburb of Halandri, writes AFP. There are fears that several people may have lost their lives. In addition, the suburbs of Nea Penteli, Palaia Penteli, Patima Halandriou and Vrilissia were badly hit by the fires. – Not in a million years did I think there would be a fire here. We are without clothes, money, everything was burnt inside the house, says 65-year-old Sakis Morfis to AFP as he sits outside his burnt-out home in Vrilissia. Better conditions On the night of Tuesday there was finally better news. Weaker winds have made extinguishing work easier, and the fire has decreased in intensity. The fire service’s spokesperson, Vassileios Vathrakogiannis, says they are no longer fighting a large fire front, but that there are still many active local fires, including around the towns of Marathon and Penteli east of Athens. – The overall picture looks better, but there are still many fires in different areas, he says. But it is expected that the wind will increase in strength throughout Tuesday, and Greece is on high alert until Thursday. The weather forecast shows strong winds and temperatures of up to 40 degrees in the next few days. Getting help from the EU According to the authorities in Greece, at least 66 people have received treatment for burns. Most after inhaling fire smoke. Five firefighters are also injured. More than 30 areas have been evacuated, as well as at least three hospitals. Over 700 firefighters, 199 fire trucks and 35 planes and helicopters have been deployed to fight the fires. In addition, Greece has asked the EU for help to fight the flames that are ravaging the country, and already on Tuesday it is expected that other countries will be in place to contribute. Italy contributes two planes, while France and Serbia send one helicopter each. Spain, the Czech Republic and Romania are sending more vehicles, personnel and emergency aid. In addition, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Öncü Keçeli has said that the country will send two planes and a helicopter to help fight the flames. Published 13.08.2024, at 12.26
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This is how the forest fires have ravaged Greece – news Urix – Foreign news and documentaries
