Greek Island of Chios Declares Emergency as Wildfires Rage

Approximately 190 firefighters, supported by 38 vehicles, 12 helicopters, and four water-bombers, are battling multiple uncontrolled wildfires on Chios, fueled by strong winds.

The fires, burning since the weekend, have prompted a state of emergency to enable swift action by local authorities.

Greece faces increasingly intense wildfires due to climate-driven factors like drought, high temperatures, and strong winds.

Greece has declared a state of emergency on Chios, its fifth-largest island, as five major wildfires burn uncontrollably. Fanned by strong winds and dry conditions, the fires threaten the island’s capital and have caused power outages. Since Sunday, about a dozen localities and a reception center for asylum seekers were evacuated, with seven villages cleared on Monday.

Civil Protection Minister Ioannis Kefalogiannis noted that calmer winds could help contain the fires, but current conditions remain challenging. Forecasts predict a heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40°C, worsening the situation across Greece, including Athens.

The fires, intensified by climate change, have strained Greece’s resources. The nation has invested heavily in firefighting equipment and hired a record 18,000 firefighters this year to combat the escalating fire season.

Source: pagenews.gr

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