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Aerial view of the area after a forest fire, Mati, Greece in this image obtained from social media. – Reuters photo
ATHENS: The sorrow and shock of the deadliest forest fires in Greece were darkened yesterday by a fierce debate over the culprits, the opposition rejecting the government's suggestion that the fires had been deliberately triggered
Toskas suggested Thursday that there were "serious" signs that the worst fires, which killed scores this week east of Athens, were a result of Arson.
Forensic experts insisted yesterday 82 people died in the disaster
An identification operation official told Greek radio that most of the bodies were completely charred, which which would mean that the task would take several more days.
The government took charge of the consequences of the attack, Toskas told reporters on Thursday, saying that "serious information has led us to open an investigation".
Officials citing information from satellite maps said that 13 fires had broken out at the same time in the Attica region – including Athens – on Monday.
But the government came for strong criticism on its response to the disaster despite a 40 million euros bailout fund for those affected. Defense Minister Panos Kammenos was heckled Thursday as he was visiting the coastal region of Mati, where most of the deaths occurred.
"You have left us at the mercy of God, there is nothing left," shouted a resident. on the counterattack, telling the BBC that illegal construction in the past was also responsible for the disaster.
The "majority" of houses on the coast had been built without proper permits, he said. After this tragedy, I think the time has come to understand that it is dangerous for them and their families not to respect the rules and laws, "said the minister
. Access and construction of too many buildings near combustible woodland contributed to what were the worst fires in Europe during the century.
The New Democracy opposition party reacts
"This deplorable show of rejection of any responsibility can only provoke anger," he said in a statement.
Fires hit coastal villages popular with vacationers and burned with such ferocity that the most have fled to the safety of the sea with just the clothes on their backs.
Survivors spoke of heartbreaking scenes including whole families burned alive in their homes.
"We were s and there was no one to help us. "The disaster triggered a wave of solidarity and many survivors were supported by volunteer organizations that provided them with housing," said Evi Kavoura, an AFP resident. Amid mountains of food and baby diapers in a gym in Rafina, near Mati, one of the volunteers, Joanna Kefalidou, English teacher on vacation, said: "We are Greeks and the Greeks tend to gather when needed and help each other as much as possible. "- AFP
This overview shows damaged vehicles in an open car park north of Athens after a Flash flood in the Greek capital.The flood follows the fires, which erupted in Greece on July 23, the deadliest of human memory – Photo AFP
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