Tragic Discovery of Burnt Bodies Believed to be Migrants in Greece Wildfires
ALEXANDROUPOLIS, Greece (AP) — The devastating wildfires in northeastern Greece have claimed the lives of 18 people, believed to be migrants who had crossed the Turkish border. The bodies were found near the city of Alexandroupolis, as firefighters continue to battle numerous wildfires across the country amidst strong winds. This comes after two people died and two firefighters were injured in separate fires in northern and central Greece on Monday.
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. They noted that 2022 was the second-worst year for wildfire damage on record, following 2017.
The Greek police have activated the country’s Disaster Victim Identification Team to identify the 18 bodies, which were found near a shack in the Avantas area. Fire department spokesman Ioannis Artopios stated that there have been no reports of missing persons or residents in the surrounding areas, leading investigators to believe that the victims may have entered the country illegally.
Alexandroupolis
How are climate change and wildfires in Europe connected, according to European Union officials?
Tragic Discovery of Burnt Bodies Believed to Be Migrants in Greece Wildfires
ALEXANDROUPOLIS, Greece (AP) – Heartbreaking news emerges from the wildfires raging through northeastern Greece, as the bodies of 18 individuals, thought to be migrants, have been discovered near the city of Alexandroupolis. These fires continue to pose a formidable challenge for firefighters across the country as they battle strong winds in their fight against the blazing infernos.
This devastating incident follows the loss of two lives and two injured firefighters in separate fires that broke out in northern and central Greece on Monday. With their scorching summers and dry conditions, Southern European countries like Greece are particularly vulnerable to wildfires. In Spain’s Canary Islands, a major blaze has also been wreaking havoc for a week, although thankfully no injuries or damages to homes have been reported.
European Union officials have pointed to climate change as a significant factor behind the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Europe. Remarkably, 2022 has ranked as the second-worst year on record for wildfire damage, surpassed only by the devastating events of 2017.
The Greek police have quickly mobilized the country’s Disaster Victim Identification Team to aid in the identification process for the 18 bodies found near a shack in the Avantas area. Fire department spokesman, Ioannis Artopios, mentioned that there have been no reports of missing residents in the surrounding areas, raising suspicions that the victims may have entered the country illegally.
This tragic and alarming incident serves as a stark reminder of the relentless and destructive nature of wildfires. As Greece and other affected regions grapple with these ferocious blazes, our thoughts remain with the victims and their families during this immeasurable loss.
My heart breaks for the lives lost in this devastating tragedy. Praying for the victims and their families. #PrayForGreece
This is absolutely heartbreaking. Sending thoughts and prayers to Greece during this incredibly difficult time. #StayStrongGreece