Remainings discovered in Greece following a blaze close to Athens, propelled by powerful winds
In a heartbreaking incident, two Vietnamese tourists, aged 61 and 65, lost their lives on the idyllic island of Milos in Greece on August 9, 2020. The unfortunate event occurred at Sarakiniko Beach, where strong gale-force winds and powerful waves swept the couple away.
According to reports, the woman was blown off into the sea by the powerful winds while the couple was possibly taking a selfie near the sea. The man bravely jumped into the water to save her, but both were carried away by the relentless waves. They were found unconscious on the shore and later pronounced dead at the island's health center.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Greece has confirmed the incident and is working closely with local authorities to assist the families and investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic event. The embassy has also advised travellers to exercise caution, especially during storms, and to avoid standing near cliff edges or going out to sea.
Unfortunately, this incident did not occur in the context of the wildfire that has been ravaging certain regions of Greece. The Greek Ministry of Civil Protection has placed regions such as Attica, where Athens is located, eastern Peloponnese, and Crete on high alert due to an extremely high risk of fires. However, the wildfire in Keratea, a rural area southeast of Athens, has weakened but still contains active hotspots.
The strong winds have also disrupted ferry traffic on the island of Milos during the peak tourist season, causing inconvenience to many visitors. The wildfire near Athens, which resulted in one fatality on August 9, did not contribute to the deaths of the two Vietnamese tourists on Milos.
On August 8, flames approached the coastal resort of Palaia Fokaia, leading to the evacuation of dozens of people from their homes and an elderly care center. Over 260 firefighters, 80 fire trucks, and 12 aircraft are currently battling the wildfire in Keratea.
The Greek national weather service EMY has announced winds that could reach 74 kilometers per hour for Saturday, adding to the challenges faced by emergency services in managing the ongoing crises.
Our thoughts are with the families of the two Vietnamese tourists during this difficult time. It serves as a reminder for all travellers to prioritise safety and be mindful of weather conditions when exploring new destinations.
Environmental scientists are monitoring the weather conditions on Milos island, Greece, as gale-force winds continue to disrupt ferry traffic and pose risks to travelers, following the tragic death of two Vietnamese tourists. The Greek national weather service EMY has predicted winds that could reach 74 kilometers per hour this Saturday, which could further complicate the ongoing crisis management efforts by the emergency services and police.
