Greece has just experienced its worst fire in over a decade.
The multiple fires broke out just outside of Athens, a well known tourist spot for it’s natural beauty. Many other mini fires are beginning and have contributed to the growth of the flames. Currently, the two biggest fires are in Rafina and Kineta.
https://twitter.com/Pierre_Markuse/status/1021494832487903232
Media outlets report that over 183 people have been injured and 60 people have died.
Prime Minister Alexis Tsparis just announced that the country will observe a three-day period of mourning. The direct cause of these fast-spreading fires is unknown, but many believe it is the direct result of an unusually hot and dry summer throughout Europe.
Greece is on fire fam pic.twitter.com/gpxBV5yCqt
— Zo (@g0rilla_zo) July 24, 2018
The country hasn’t had devastation caused by fires this badly since 2007.
Over the past year, wildfires increased across the world, bringing more damage and destruction with each incident. Yet, people rarely include the discussion of climate change as part of the narrative, an observation one Twitter user made.
Greece's worst wildfire season in a decade fueled by their hottest year on record. More than 70 wildfires burning in the Western U.S.; extreme flooding and rain pummeling the Eastern U.S.
Heard all 3 of these stories on NPR this morning and not 1 mention of climate change.
— Emily Atkin (@emorwee) July 24, 2018
The fires have forced tourists and locals to evacuate any way they can. Many escaped by foot, car or by bus, while others tried to seek safety in the Aegean waters. The entire city is in a state of emergency, as local authorities have been dispatched to capacity.
Tragedy in #Greece – the sheer horror of deadly wildfires. #fires #Greece pic.twitter.com/YozX1hFiHW
— Travel Gazette (@TravelGazette1) July 24, 2018
According to the New York Times, Greece has deployed more then 600 firefighters and 250 fire engines. With winds up to 50 mph, Greece has dispatched its all of their water force units. During an evacuation mission in Mati, 45 people died when the rescue boat capsized, killing everybody on board.
While Greece is deploying all of its authorities, the European Union was fast to act and offer any needed help to the country after a statement by Donald Tusk, the president of the EU. While other members of the EU were quick to offer immediate support.
Very saddened by the tragic forest fires in Greece. Europe will stand by our Greek friends in these difficult times. Help is on its way from several EU countries.
— Charles Michel (@eucopresident) July 24, 2018
I just spoke to the President of the Hellenic Republic P. Pavlopoulos and Prime Minister @tsipras_eu. I am deeply saddened for the loss of so many lives in this horrible tragedy. The @EU_Commission will spare no effort to help Greece and the Greek people.
— Jean-Claude Juncker (@JunckerEU) July 24, 2018
As a result of the growing fires, Greece has asked for international help to tackle wildfires raging across the country.
As a result Croatia, Spain and Italy have already to send two firefighting aircrafts. Cyprus, Turkey, Germany and Bulgaria have all also offered additional support if Greece needs it.
The situation is still critical and not yet isolated putting much of the island in danger.
You can help show your support for Greece during this time of devastation by donating to your local Red Cross to help the funding of sending over specialized helicopters/safety troops to help combat the flames and rescue the locals who are at risk.
Featured image via John McColgan / Public domain
