An official three-day mourning for the victims of the fires in Greece

Greece declared a three-day official mourning for firefighters in several areas near the capital Athens At least 74 people were killed by Forest fires in the station "The country is going through an unprecedented tragedy," he said, adding that "Greece is now living in a state of mourning and we are declaring a three-day national mourning for those who lost their lives ". "

These fires are the largest in Greece since devastating fires swept the southern Peloponnese peninsula, August 2007, causing dozens of deaths, and the fire broke out in the village of Matte last Monday. and is still visible in some areas.

Tragic end of Greek families at the top of a rocky slope

] In one place, emergency teams have found 26 bodies, including children's bodies, near the top of a rocky cliff overlooking a beach. "They tried to find a way to escape, but unfortunately, these people and their children n & # 39; 39, have failed to survive before it's too late, "said Nikos Ekonomopoulos, head of the Greek Red Cross.And instinctively hugged some of them when they saw near the end . "

Search and rescue intensive operations in Greece

The Coast Guard reported that its ships and boats had managed to save up to 700 people who had managed to reach the beaches and recover 19 others. survivors and 4 bodies of the sea.

The smell of burning buildings and trees continued to invade Matte and locals roamed the streets, some looking for burnt cars and others on their pets. A Reuters photographer found at least four bodies on a narrow road blocked by cars. Beaches

A spokesman for the L Band said:

A government spokesman said that the number of missing persons was not yet known, with coast guard vessels still covering the coast for survivors while military hospitals were in a state of disrepair.

Firefighters indicated that the intensity and range of fire spread in Matte fell last Tuesday while the wind calmed but was not still fully controlled.
19659004] Greece has asked for emergency help in the face of uncontrolled fires

Support and sympathy worldwide for the victims of Greece

Poland has announced that two of its citizens , mother and son, were among the victims and offered their support to Cyprus, Spain, Italy and Croatia

French President Emmanuel Macaron said in a statement published in French and Greek: "My sincere condolences to the Greece and the victims of the terrible fires France and Europe express their solidarity with Sweden and Greece and offer their badistance. "

Pope Francis declared through his account of Telegram:" He is deeply saddened by this tragedy and prayed for the victims and their families. "

Forest fires break out from time to time in Greece, but the relatively dry winter has been a hot summer this summer. The cause of the fires was not immediately known.