Greece Faces Intensifying Wildfire Crisis as Evacuations Continue

Greece is grappling with severe wildfires that have wreaked havoc across various regions, prompting widespread evacuations and destruction of property. The ongoing crisis, which has persisted for more than a day, sees fires still ablaze in areas such as the Peloponnese, as well as on the islands of Evia and Kythera. On Sunday morning, firefighting operations resumed at dawn with the assistance of aircraft and helicopters deployed across several locations.

Authorities have issued warnings about the heightened risk of fire, with a spokesperson from the fire brigade indicating that conditions remain precarious. Despite these challenges, he noted some signs of improvement in certain regions.

Particularly concerning is the situation on Kythera, a popular tourist destination with a population of approximately 3,600. Reports suggest that half of the island has been engulfed in flames, with significant damage to homes, agricultural lands, and local infrastructures. Evacuations were ordered for residents and tourists alike, as the island faced dangerous winds that exacerbated the fire's spread.

In response to the escalating crisis, Greece has sought assistance from other European Union nations, including the Czech Republic and Italy, which have dispatched firefighting teams and aircraft to bolster local efforts. On Sunday, additional support from Italian aircraft was anticipated, further enhancing the firefighting capabilities on the ground.

The situation remains dire, with eleven regions across Greece currently classified as being at high risk for wildfires. In Evia, flames have devastated large tracts of forest land and have led to significant losses in livestock. Efforts to restore the electricity supply in affected areas are ongoing, as many villages struggle with disrupted water services as well.

In Crete, fires that erupted on Saturday caused damage to several homes and a church but have since been largely brought under control. Meanwhile, in Kryoneri, located north of Athens, police forces have increased their presence amid concerns of looting in areas where residents have evacuated due to fire threats.

This wildfire outbreak follows a prolonged heatwave that has gripped Greece for nearly a week, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in many locations. On Saturday, temperatures peaked at a staggering 45.2C in Amfilohia. Fortunately, weather forecasts suggest that these extreme conditions may begin to ease by Monday.

The frequency and intensity of wildfires in Greece have risen alarmingly, with 2023 being recorded as one of the most devastating years, resulting in the loss of nearly 175,000 hectares of land and claiming 20 lives. Recent incidents on the island of Chios last month destroyed approximately 4,700 hectares, while earlier wildfires on Crete necessitated the evacuation of around 5,000 individuals.