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Greece is in a state of emergency! The region around Athens is hit by severe forest fires. At least 50 people lost their lives. "We found about 26 dead bodies near Rafina," said a Red Cross aide in the Greek news channel Skai. This was confirmed by the deputy mayor of the region, Girgos Kokkolis.
More than 150 wounded are in danger of death, as reported Tuesday morning Greek National Radio (ERT), citing emergency services. Local TV reporters reported that the number of casualties would increase significantly as more and more charred bodies were discovered in various locations in eastern Athens.
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The flames rage in the area with many holiday homes
Previously, at least 20 people were reported killed in serious forest fires in Greece. "This is what is called the worst case scenario," said Giannis Kapakis, head of the Greek Civil Defense. The flames rage in a densely wooded area with pines everywhere. Many residents fled in panic, so several camps had to be evacuated.
Electricity, telephone and internet were lost in some areas. Due to the strong smoke, the highway and the railway line between Athens and Corinth have been closed.
Tourists fled by boat – four are missing
On Tuesday night, authorities began evacuating Mati and Rafina. Because of the approach of the flames, many people had taken refuge on the beaches.
The port police said they found two Danish tourists on the sea near Rafina. They belonged to a group of six tourists who fled by boat. A search for the rest of the tourists was initiated.
However, fishermen, the coast guard and inflatable rafters managed to save more than 700 people who sought refuge from the flames on beaches and rocky shores. Most fires were controlled at night after the winds dried up. Thousands of people were sleeping outside, in cars and sports halls, as reported by the public television.
Are the arsonists behind the fire?
Athens asked the help of the other states of the EU. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras prematurely interrupted a visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina and was eager to return to Athens. "My thoughts are with the people and the forces," he told the Greek TV channel "ERT". He expressed the suspicion that the arsonists might be behind the fires.
Tsipras ordered fire departments from other regions and the military to come to Athens to help, according to the state radio. In addition, Greece has asked for help from other EU countries, a spokesman for the fire department said Monday night.
Currently, temperatures in Greece are about 40 degrees. In addition, wind gusts of magnitude seven blow in the affected area.
Forest fires are not uncommon during the hot summer months in Greece. In 2007, for example, a total of 77 people were killed. (SDA)
Posted on 24.07.2018 | Last update 2 minutes ago
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