Dozens of people killed in forest fires: "Today, Greece is saddened"

The Greek government speaks of a "national tragedy": at least 74 people died in forest fires near Athens. Several EU countries have now offered their support.

At least 74 people were killed and more than 180 were injured in the devastating forest fires that struck Athens, and the danger is still not broken.

Given the dramatic situation, several EU countries offered their help. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte tweeted that Italy had provided two firefighting planes.

Cyprus, Spain and Bulgaria have also secured aircraft, emergency services, doctors and fire trucks. Commissioner Christos Stylianides wants to go to Athens today. He will coordinate EU assistance already along the way. He was in constant contact with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

Tsipras ordered a three-day national mourning. "Today, we mourn Greece, and in memory of those we have lost, we announce a three-day period of mourning," he said. But people should not be overwhelmed by the pain, "because these hours are hours of struggle, unity, courage and above all, solidarity."

Federal Government Support

The German government has also pledged its support: "The suffering of those affected affects us all," Chancellor Angela Merkel wrote to the Greek Prime Minister. "In these difficult times", Germany holds firm to his Greek friends

Previously, Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Council President Donald Tusk had expressed their sympathy to the families of the victims. and helicopters. Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Bekir Pakdemirli, told Ankara that the planes were 45 minutes away. "If there is a demand, we are ready to intervene immediately."

The number of casualties could still increase

During this time, most fires could be controlled. The record is, however, devastating. In areas east and west of Athens, at least 74 people were killed in the flames, many of which were burned alive. More people are missing. According to firefighters, the number of injured has risen to more than 180, including 23 children

The seaside resort of Mati and the port city of Rafina have been particularly affected. The mayor of Rafina, Vangelis Bournous, feared that the losses would rise even more. "We are looking from house to house, I am talking about 60 victims," ​​he told the Greek news channel Skar. At least 1,200 homes were destroyed in its own area

In the morning, rescue teams discovered 26 bodies on a steep slope. The victims, including several families, had probably tried to escape the flames and had fled their homes to the coast. But this stretch of coast can only be reached by a narrow path, in the dense smoke and in their panic, people do not find it. The flames came from all sides and closed the people

Region of holidays densely populated

The civil defense had already warned Sunday a great danger of forest fire. It had not rained for nearly two weeks. Temperatures were around 39 degrees Celsius. On Monday, a strong wind was added.

First, a fire broke out in the west of Athens. The cause was still unknown, he was told by the fire department. Several houses were destroyed, but there were no casualties. Around lunchtime, new fires sprang up in East Athens. Already heavily used firefighters, firefighters and helicopters had to fight on two major fronts.

The second front is located along the east coast of Athens and is a huge holiday area. There are thousands of vacation homes and apartments in pine forests. Many Athenians have their second home there.

The flames swept the region at high speed. Thousands fled in panic towards the Mediterranean Sea. Fishermen, coast guard and tourists with rubber dinghies put more than 700 people in safety. Thousands of people slept outside in cars and gyms.