As wildfires near the Greek capital of Athens continue to ravage parts of Mount Parnitha, residents are bracing themselves for even more devastation as the winds are expected to pick up in strength throughout the day. The fire, which started on Tuesday, intensified overnight, and with the wind speeds projected to increase from around 10 a.m., authorities are concerned that the situation may worsen. The smoke engulfing Athens has made it difficult for people to breathe, even in the city center.
Efforts to combat the blaze are underway, with helicopters and aircraft, including those provided by European Union member states, working tirelessly to dump large amounts of water on the affected areas. Emergency service personnel are also actively engaged on the ground, fighting the fire and defending homes.
This summer has been marked by a series of extreme weather events, including scorching temperatures, violent storms, flooding, and wildfires, not only in Greece but also across Europe and North America. Scientists attribute the intensification of these events to global warming, with July being crowned as the hottest month on record.
In addition to the wildfires near Athens, another fire that ignited in the northeastern region of Evros on Saturday continues to burn. Tragically, this fire claimed the lives of 18 migrants as it tore through the Dadia forest. In the last 24 hours alone, authorities have had to deal with the outbreak of 55 separate blazes.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Greece is receiving support from the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism. Assistance, including planes, helicopters, and firefighters, has been dispatched from various countries such as Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Romania, France, and Sweden.
With temperatures expected to reach a scorching 36°C (97°F) in Athens, the Attica region, which encompasses the capital, remains on high alert for further fires. The local prosecutor has been called upon to investigate the potential causes of the fire in Evros, especially regarding allegations of arson. Furthermore, authorities are also looking into reports of violence targeting migrants in the area. Greek police, fire service, and secret service are all involved in the investigations.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has faced heavy criticism from opposition parties for his handling of the wildfires, which have already engulfed more than 90,000 acres in the past three days. The government's spokesperson has announced that Mitsotakis intends to address the issue in parliament, emphasizing that now is not the time for political disputes, but rather concerted efforts to tackle the ongoing crisis.