Wildfires in Greece Continue to Rage, Becoming Largest Ever Recorded in EU
August 29, 2023 at 3:38 p.m. EDT
Wildfires have been devastating northeast Greece for the past 10 days, making them the largest ever recorded within the European Union, according to a spokesperson from the European Commission. The ongoing fires have scorched an area of 310 square miles, surpassing any previous blaze since the EU began keeping track in 2000. To put it into perspective, the burned area is more than four times the size of Washington, D.C.
The cause of the fires is still under investigation, but Greece has been experiencing a summer of record-setting heat, which has contributed to the dry conditions and increased fire risk. Scientists believe that human-induced climate change has exacerbated the situation not only in Greece but also across Europe and North Africa.
In response to the crisis, the EU has launched its largest aerial firefighting operation to date. Eleven firefighting planes, one helicopter, and 400 firefighters are being sent to assist Greece. However, this operation has left the EU with just over half of its stock of firefighting planes, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The wildfires are currently tearing through Greece’s Evros region and its capital city, Alexandroupolis. Fires in the Dadia National Park, a bird sanctuary near the border with Turkey, are still out of control, according to Greece’s fire service.
This is not the first time Greece has faced such devastation. Last month, wildfires ravaged Rhodes Island. In fact, the fires in 2023 have destroyed more square miles of Greece than in any other year on record, except for 2022, according to data from the European Commission.
Tragically, at least 21 people have lost their lives in the fires over the past week, according to Greek authorities. Among the victims are 19 individuals believed to be migrants or refugees, whose charred remains were discovered on August 22 in the Dadia forest. This area is known to be part of a migrant path into Europe.
The situation in Greece remains dire, and efforts to contain and extinguish the wildfires continue. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and providing assistance where possible.
What actions are being taken by the European Union and neighboring countries to assist Greece in combating and recovering from these devastating wildfires
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These wildfires, which started on August 19, have shown no signs of slowing down as they continue to rage on. The European Commission spokesperson confirmed that this is the largest wildfire on record within the European Union, and the extent of the destruction is alarming.
Over the course of the past 10 days, the fires have ravaged a staggering 310 square miles of land in northeast Greece. This surpasses any previous wildfire in the EU since record-keeping began. The scale of this disaster is unprecedented and has left communities devastated.
Efforts to contain and extinguish the flames have been ongoing, with firefighters and emergency personnel working tirelessly to bring these wildfires under control. Despite their valiant efforts, the fires show no signs of abating, posing a significant threat to wildlife, infrastructure, and human lives.
The cause of these wildfires is still under investigation, with authorities looking into potential human activities or natural factors that may have triggered the inferno. However, what is clear is the urgent need for support and resources to combat these unprecedented wildfires.
The Greek government has declared a state of emergency and sought assistance from neighboring countries and the European Union. Additional firefighting resources, including aircraft and personnel, have been dispatched to help tackle the blazes.
In the midst of this crisis, the safety and wellbeing of those affected are paramount. Evacuation orders have been issued in several affected areas, ensuring that residents are out of harm’s way. Temporary shelters have been set up to provide assistance to those displaced by the fires.
Furthermore, the European Union has pledged its solidarity and support to Greece during this trying time. Funds and resources are being mobilized to aid in the firefighting efforts and subsequent recovery and reconstruction of the affected regions.
As these wildfires continue to rage on, it is crucial to recognize the gravity of the situation and the immediate need for assistance. The scale of destruction and devastation caused by these fires is a stark reminder of the importance of proactive measures to prevent and mitigate the impact of wildfires in the future.
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My heart goes out to Greece. Hoping for the safety of everyone affected. 🙏🏼🔥