In western Greece, fast-moving wildfires are encroaching upon the city of Patras, causing panic and significant evacuations, including the urgent relocation of a children's hospital. The wildfires have consumed nearly 10,000 hectares in the Achaia region in the last two days, resulting in the destruction of numerous homes and businesses as well as incinerating over 500 vehicles in a customs yard.
The streets of Patras have become eerily quiet as the fires creep down from the nearby mountains, with temperatures soaring to 38C and air quality suffering from heavy smoke. Authorities have ordered more evacuations, specifically in a nearby town with a population of 7,700. Coastguards have also been active in rescuing people from beaches threatened by advancing fires on the islands of Zante and Chios.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Greece has sought assistance from the European Union, requesting aerial firefighting support to complement over 4,800 firefighters battling over 20 wildfires nationwide.
The situation in Greece is exacerbated by a severe heatwave that has spread across southern Europe, igniting blazes in countries from Portugal to the Balkans. Spain has seen tragic losses, including the deaths of a civilian and a volunteer firefighter amid its tenth consecutive day of extreme heat reaching 45C. Such harsh conditions have ignited a political controversy following critical comments made by a transport minister regarding leadership during crisis periods, which garnered backlash and demands for accountability.
As of early August, Greece has recorded 199 wildfires, incinerating nearly 99,000 hectares—significantly above last year's figures. Neighboring countries, including Portugal and Albania, are also under strain as multiple wildfires rage. In Italy, while some control efforts have succeeded in quelling blazes on Mount Vesuvius, the oppressive heat remains a concern in multiple cities as the nation grapples with the extreme conditions.
Amid this alarming backdrop, experts note that the frequency and severity of such wildfires are on the rise, largely attributed to climate change factors that continue to challenge the continent.
The streets of Patras have become eerily quiet as the fires creep down from the nearby mountains, with temperatures soaring to 38C and air quality suffering from heavy smoke. Authorities have ordered more evacuations, specifically in a nearby town with a population of 7,700. Coastguards have also been active in rescuing people from beaches threatened by advancing fires on the islands of Zante and Chios.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Greece has sought assistance from the European Union, requesting aerial firefighting support to complement over 4,800 firefighters battling over 20 wildfires nationwide.
The situation in Greece is exacerbated by a severe heatwave that has spread across southern Europe, igniting blazes in countries from Portugal to the Balkans. Spain has seen tragic losses, including the deaths of a civilian and a volunteer firefighter amid its tenth consecutive day of extreme heat reaching 45C. Such harsh conditions have ignited a political controversy following critical comments made by a transport minister regarding leadership during crisis periods, which garnered backlash and demands for accountability.
As of early August, Greece has recorded 199 wildfires, incinerating nearly 99,000 hectares—significantly above last year's figures. Neighboring countries, including Portugal and Albania, are also under strain as multiple wildfires rage. In Italy, while some control efforts have succeeded in quelling blazes on Mount Vesuvius, the oppressive heat remains a concern in multiple cities as the nation grapples with the extreme conditions.
Amid this alarming backdrop, experts note that the frequency and severity of such wildfires are on the rise, largely attributed to climate change factors that continue to challenge the continent.
