Wildfires near Athens intensity due to extreme heat, leading to evacuations

In recent weeks, wildfires near Athens have intensified dramatically due to an unprecedented heatwave, prompting widespread evacuations and raising concerns about environmental sustainability and public safety. The extreme temperatures, which have soared to record highs, have created a conducive environment for the rapid spread of wildfires. This phenomenon not only threatens local ecosystems but also poses significant risks to human lives and property. As climate change continues to exacerbate weather extremes, the frequency and intensity of such wildfires are likely to increase, necessitating urgent attention from policymakers and emergency management agencies.

The immediate impact of these wildfires has been severe, with thousands of residents forced to evacuate their homes as flames encroach upon urban areas. Evacuations reflect a growing recognition that traditional firefighting strategies may be insufficient in the face of escalating climate challenges. Moreover, the psychological toll on affected communities cannot be understated; displacement disrupts social networks and places significant stress on individuals who must grapple with uncertainty about their future living conditions. Such scenarios underline the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness plans that prioritize community resilience in the face of natural disasters.

Government officials warned of an high fire hazard in several areas, including the Athens peninsula and the Boeotia region northwest of it.

Both areas were among those where the risk category was raised to five, meaning there's an extreme risk of fire, weather officials said in a statement released Sunday.

Volunteers had also joined the fight near the village of Varnava, about 35km (21 miles) north of the city.

“Forces are being continually reinforced but they face flames that in many cases exceed 25 metres [in height]”, said the fire brigade spokesperson Vassileios Vathrakogiannis.

While one fire in western Attica had been brought under control, a second blaze north-east of Athens was still not contained. By nightfall the inferno was reported to be racing eastwards with the efforts of water-dropping planes stymied by the powerful winds.

Wildfires are frequent in Greece during its hot, dry summers, but authorities have said climate change is fueling bigger and more frequent blazes. In 2018, a massive fire swept through the seaside town of Mati, east of Athens, trapping people in their homes and on roads as they tried to flee in their cars. More than 100 people died, including some who drowned trying to swim away from the flames.

Last year, wildfires in Greece killed more than 20 people, including 18 migrants who became trapped by the flames as they trekked through a forest in northeaster Greece and were caught by a massive fire that burned for more than two weeks.

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Sarah H

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