Subscribe

0

Greece Climate & Environment

Evacuation Orders in Place as Wildfires Continue to Rage Across Greece

Greece is battling raging wildfires on the eastern Aegean islands of Chios and Kos, with evacuation orders issued and a dire warning from the prime minister of a dangerous summer ahead.

author-image
Nitish Verma
New Update
greece

Greece is grappling with a series of devastating wildfires that have spread across the eastern Aegean islands of Chios and Kos, prompting evacuation orders and a dire warning from the prime minister of a dangerous summer ahead.

On Monday, firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the flames that had engulfed the Metohi area of western Chios, with emergency services issuing evacuation orders for residents to head to a nearby beach. The situation remained precarious, with over 140 firefighters, eight teams of wildfire specialists, seven water-dropping planes, and three helicopters battling the blaze. Two firefighters were lightly injured, while dozens more were dispatched to the island from nearby Lesbos and Athens.

As the situation unfolded, a second fire broke out on the resort island of Kos, forcing the evacuation of several people, including tourists from hotels, as a precaution. The blaze was being tackled by over 100 firefighters, including reinforcements sent from Athens, as well as six water-dropping planes and two helicopters.

According to the fire department, Greece saw 52 wildfires breaking out in the previous 24-hour period, with 44 being tackled in the early stages. Authorities were still battling a total of eight fires by Monday evening. The blazes come a day after the fire department managed to tame two large forest fires near Athens that had been fanned by strong winds.

Why it Matters : The wildfires in Greece are not just a local issue; they have far-reaching consequences for the environment, economy, and human life. Last year, extensive wildfires in Greece killed more than 20 people, and this year's summer is expected to be particularly prone to blazes following a mild, dry winter. The Greek government's efforts to combat wildfires are crucial in preventing loss of life and property, as well as mitigating the impact of climate change.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis warned that this year's summer is predicted to be particularly dangerous for wildfires, citing high levels of drought and unusually strong winds for this season. He credited the use of drones as part of an early warning system for wildfires and better coordination between authorities and volunteer firefighters for limiting the extent of fire damage so far. However, Mitsotakis emphasized that the public's help is essential in limiting the impact of wildfires, particularly in the field of prevention.

Key Takeaways:

  • Greece is battling raging wildfires on the eastern Aegean islands of Chios and Kos, with evacuation orders issued and a dire warning from the prime minister.
  • The country saw 52 wildfires breaking out in the previous 24-hour period, with 44 being tackled in the early stages.
  • The Greek government is relying on drones and better coordination between authorities and volunteer firefighters to combat wildfires.
  • This year's summer is expected to be particularly prone to blazes following a mild, dry winter.
  • The public's help is essential in limiting the impact of wildfires, particularly in the field of prevention.