Greece has ordered the evacuation of hospitals and homes near Athens as wildfires continue to spread despite “superhuman” efforts by firefighters. Five more communities were told to evacuate on Monday, following the exodus of hundreds of people from at least eight villages the day before.
Fire brigade spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis reported that the fire, which has now reached Mount Pentelicus, is moving towards Penteli. Two hospitals in Penteli, including a children’s hospital and a military facility, were evacuated at dawn.
Over 500 firefighters, 152 vehicles, and 29 aircraft are battling the flames. Residents in the Attica region received emergency SMS messages instructing them to evacuate.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis returned to Athens Sunday evening to manage the escalating crisis. On Sunday alone, firefighters tackled 40 blazes, quickly containing 33, but seven more continue to rage amid the high summer heat.
Among those evacuated are residents of the historic town of Marathon, located 25 miles east of Athens. “Everything is burning,” said Giorgos Tsevas, a resident of Polydendri village, lamenting the loss of his 200 olive trees.
Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias warned that half the country is at high risk for wildfires due to scorching temperatures, strong winds, and drought conditions. Scientists link the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires to climate change, with rising global temperatures leading to longer fire seasons and greater destruction.
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