18 Bodies Found in Greece as Wildfires Continue to Devastate the Country

18 Burnt Bodies Found in Greece Amidst Raging Wildfires

ALEXANDROUPOLIS, Greece (AP) — Firefighters in northeastern Greece discovered the burnt bodies of 18 people believed to be migrants who had crossed the Turkish border into the area. The tragic discovery near the city of Alexandroupolis occurred as firefighters battled numerous wildfires across the country, fueled by gale-force winds. On Monday, two people died and two firefighters were injured in separate fires in northern and central Greece.

Southern European countries, with their hot and dry summers, are particularly susceptible to wildfires. In Spain’s Canary Islands, a major blaze has been burning for a week, although no injuries or damage to homes have been reported.

European Union officials have attributed the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Europe to climate change, noting that 2022 was the second-worst year for wildfire damage on record after 2017.

The bodies were found near a shack in the Avantas area, prompting the activation of Greece’s Disaster Victim Identification Team to identify the victims. Fire department spokesman Ioannis Artopios stated that since there have been no reports of missing persons from the surrounding areas, it is being investigated whether the deceased individuals had entered the country illegally.

Alexandroupolis, located near the border with Turkey, is often a route taken by individuals fleeing poverty and conflict in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa in an attempt to enter the European Union.

Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou expressed deep sorrow at the deaths and called for urgent initiatives to prevent such tragedies from becoming the new normal.

Evacuation orders had been issued for Avantas and other nearby villages and settlements, with push alerts sent to all mobile phones in the region. As flames approached Alexandroupolis, authorities evacuated eight more villages and the city’s hospital. Over 65 patients were transported to a ferry boat in the city’s port, while others were taken to hospitals in northern Greece.

Deputy Health Minister Dimitris Vartzopoulos cited smoke and ash in the air around the Alexandroupolis hospital as the main reasons for the evacuation.

The coast guard, along with patrol boats and private vessels, evacuated an additional 40 people from beaches near Alexandroupolis.

In the northeastern Evros border region, a fire was burning through a forest in a protected national park, with satellite imagery showing smoke covering much of northern and western Greece.

New fires broke out in several parts of the country on Tuesday, including in woodland northwest of Athens and an industrial area on the capital’s western fringes. Explos

How has climate change contributed to the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Europe?

Ate change, which has led to hotter and drier conditions that are favorable for the spread of wildfires. The fires in Greece have been exacerbated by strong winds, making them difficult to contain and extinguish.

The burnt bodies found near Alexandroupolis are believed to be migrants who were attempting to cross the Turkish border into Greece. It is tragic that their journey ended in such a horrific way, and serves as a reminder of the dangers that migrants face when attempting to reach Europe.

Meanwhile, in other parts of Greece, fires have claimed the lives of two people and injured two firefighters. These incidents highlight the bravery and dedication of the firefighters who are working tirelessly to battle the blazes. Their efforts are further complicated by the strong winds, which are fanning the flames and causing the fires to spread rapidly.

In addition to Greece, Spain’s Canary Islands are also facing a major wildfire that has been burning for a week. Thankfully, no injuries or damage to homes have been reported, but the situation remains precarious as firefighters continue to fight the blaze.

The European Union has identified climate change as a major factor contributing to the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Europe. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns have created more favorable conditions for wildfires to occur and spread. This highlights the urgent need for global action to address climate change and mitigate its impact.

As firefighters continue to battle the wildfires in Greece and other parts of Europe, it is important to remember the devastating human and environmental toll that these fires can have. The loss of life and destruction of homes and habitats is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and work towards a more sustainable future.