Greek government asks EU for disaster protection in north Athens
The Greek government has requested the activation of EU civil protection due to the massive wildfires north-east of Athens. According to media reports, the first helicopter from France is expected to arrive in the evening, Italy plans to send two firefighting aircraft by Tuesday, and 75 firefighters with 25 vehicles are en route from the Czech Republic. A team from Moldova is already on site, Turkey has offered assistance, and support from Spain is also anticipated.
The massive fires that started on Sunday and are now raging over an area of around 200 square kilometers near the capital have reached the suburbs of Vrilissia and Penteli in the north-east of Athens, as shown on television. Numerous areas have been evacuated, and the police are trying to bring people to safety who refuse to leave their homes and apartments.
This is the first time that a large wildfire has come so close to the Greek capital, experts said on television. The distance of the flames from the city center was still around eleven kilometers as the crow flies in the afternoon.
Strong winds are also making it difficult for the firefighters. However, the situation is also challenging due to the recent drought and the rugged terrain, said Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias. Strong winds and gusts of up to 70 kilometers per hour are expected to continue until the evening, with the wind expected to ease off in the night. However, firefighting operations from the air cannot take place in the dark - and the wind is expected to pick up again in the morning, according to meteorologists.
The Greek government's request for EU civil protection aid highlights the severity of the wildfires. Efforts from various countries, including France, Italy, the Czech Republic, Moldova, and potential support from Spain and Turkey, are crucial in combating this crisis.
