Wildfires continued to sweep across Greece for a second day on Wednesday, destroying homes, farms, and factories and forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents and tourists amid scorching heat and strong winds.
Fires threatened villages near the western city of Patras and spread across the tourist islands of Chios and Zakynthos, as well as several inland regions.
Nearly 5,000 firefighters, supported by 33 aircraft, were deployed from dawn in a massive effort to contain the blazes, fire brigade spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said.
Public broadcaster ERT reported dozens of people hospitalised for smoke inhalation since Tuesday, while 13 firefighters have been treated for burns and other injuries.
Authorities warned that wildfire risk would remain “very high” across much of the country, with temperatures expected to reach 34°C (93°F) in some areas.
Near Patras, flames tore through olive groves and forests, igniting a cement factory and disrupting rail traffic, sending thick smoke billowing over the city. “It looks like doomsday. May God help us and help people here,” said volunteer firefighter Giorgos Karavanis, who had travelled from Athens with the Kleisthenis volunteer association.
On Tuesday, authorities ordered the evacuation of a town of about 7,700 people near Patras, followed by fresh evacuation alerts for two nearby villages on Wednesday. On Chios, coast guard vessels ferried residents and tourists to safety as flames reached the shoreline.
The crisis comes as much of southern Europe battles wildfires during an intense heatwave, with Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Albania, and Montenegro also reporting widespread damage and destruction.
Written By Rodney Mbua
