In a dramatic escalation of wildfires fueled by scorching heat and fierce winds, Patras, Greece's third-largest city with a population of around 200,000, is on high alert as flames advance toward its outskirts. Over the past two days, around 10,000 hectares have been consumed by fire in the surrounding Achaia region. The escalating crisis has led to the evacuation of entire villages, the destruction of homes, and significant property loss, including over 500 vehicles incinerated at a customs facility.
### Wildfires Threaten Greek City Amidst Europe’s Blistering Heatwave
### Wildfires Threaten Greek City Amidst Europe’s Blistering Heatwave
As wildfires ravage southern Europe, a major city in western Greece faces imminent danger, forcing evacuations and intensifying emergency efforts.
On Wednesday, the normally vibrant streets of Patras were eerily quiet, the air thick with smoke and temperatures soaring to 38 degrees Celsius. Experts warn that breathing difficulties have emerged among residents, and authorities have ordered the evacuation of a nearby town with 7,700 inhabitants. As wildfires threaten beaches on islands such as Zante and Chios, coastguards have conducted numerous rescues in response.
In light of this emergency, Greece has sought assistance from the EU, requesting water bombers to support more than 4,800 firefighters battling over 20 active wildfires across the nation. The broader crisis amid this heatwave is escalating across southern Europe, with severe conditions prompting fires from Portugal to the Balkans.
Spain has also reported dire circumstances, with a civilian and a volunteer firefighter tragically killed amid the extreme heat that pushed temperatures to 45 degrees Celsius. These wildfires have sparked political tensions as well, with a government minister facing backlash for commentating during the crisis, further illustrating the urgency of the situation across the continent.
Wildfires have resulted in 199 active blazes across Greece alone this year, devastating nearly 99,000 hectares—twice the damage recorded by mid-August last year. The plight isn’t isolated to Greece, as neighboring Portugal also grapples with five major fires, requiring the mobilization of 1,800 firefighters to contain their spread. Meanwhile, Albania faces its own crisis, with 24 wildfires forcing villagers from their homes.
As Italy struggles to manage a week-long blaze on Mount Vesuvius, extreme heat continues to challenge many cities, including Florence, which recorded temperatures nearing 39 degrees Celsius. Even Pope Leo has made adjustments to maintain safety during his weekly audience due to the heat, transitioning the event indoors.
Officials warn that the increasing frequency and severity of such extreme weather phenomena are clear indicators of climate change's impact on our planet, raising global concerns about future wildfire risks and public safety.
In light of this emergency, Greece has sought assistance from the EU, requesting water bombers to support more than 4,800 firefighters battling over 20 active wildfires across the nation. The broader crisis amid this heatwave is escalating across southern Europe, with severe conditions prompting fires from Portugal to the Balkans.
Spain has also reported dire circumstances, with a civilian and a volunteer firefighter tragically killed amid the extreme heat that pushed temperatures to 45 degrees Celsius. These wildfires have sparked political tensions as well, with a government minister facing backlash for commentating during the crisis, further illustrating the urgency of the situation across the continent.
Wildfires have resulted in 199 active blazes across Greece alone this year, devastating nearly 99,000 hectares—twice the damage recorded by mid-August last year. The plight isn’t isolated to Greece, as neighboring Portugal also grapples with five major fires, requiring the mobilization of 1,800 firefighters to contain their spread. Meanwhile, Albania faces its own crisis, with 24 wildfires forcing villagers from their homes.
As Italy struggles to manage a week-long blaze on Mount Vesuvius, extreme heat continues to challenge many cities, including Florence, which recorded temperatures nearing 39 degrees Celsius. Even Pope Leo has made adjustments to maintain safety during his weekly audience due to the heat, transitioning the event indoors.
Officials warn that the increasing frequency and severity of such extreme weather phenomena are clear indicators of climate change's impact on our planet, raising global concerns about future wildfire risks and public safety.
