Greece Wildfire Update: One Fatality, Multiple Injuries with Extensive Land Devastation
August 13, 2024
Greece wildfire claims one life, injures many, and devastates property. Evacuation orders issued near Athens. Strong winds and high temperatures challenge firefighting efforts. Prime Minister to lead emergency meeting.
The large wildfire burning in Greece now has killed at least one person and injured multiple others as scores of property and thousands of acres of land have been devastated, according to sources.
On Tuesday, government authorities said the charred body of an unidentified 64-year-old woman was found inside a factory in the town of Vrilissia shortly after midnight local time less than ten miles from Athens, the nation’s capital.
New evacuation orders were given in the local morning hours on Tuesday to residents near Athens in northeastern Attica, and in the seaside town of Nea Makri.
Strong winds of 37-43 mph are anticipated with temperatures expected to reached up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, or 40 degrees Celsius, as more than 700 people, including 27 specialised wildfire teams and military personnel have engaged to help preserve Athens from the flames.
So far, reports indicate more than 24 000 acres of land have been burned. Winds had temporarily eased, but they are expected to pick back up later in the day.
An emergency meeting to address the wildfires’ management is set to be led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis later on Tuesday as local authorities are expected to stay on high alert for the next few days. (UPI)
