Violent Winds Fuel Fires in Greece, Claiming Lives and Disrupting Ferry Services
Wildfire Ravages Keratea, Greece: Homes and Lives Lost
A devastating wildfire, which started on Friday night in the region of Keratea, approximately 43 km southeast of Athens, has caused severe destruction, including the loss of several homes, agricultural lands (notably olive orchards), and the deaths of three individuals. The blaze, which has consumed 1,580 hectares, is currently being fought by over 260 firefighters, 11 water bombers, and seven helicopters.
The strong winds reaching up to 80 km/h (50 mph) have intensified the fire's spread, necessitating the evacuation of numerous residences and an elderly care facility to protect residents. Local media have documented the damage, and police have ensured thorough evacuation by door-to-door checks.
The fire has reduced but active hotspots remain, and additional strong winds are expected, raising concerns for renewed fire activity in the region. Meteorological forecasts predict these winds will exacerbate the fire behavior in affected and nearby areas.
Costas Tsigkas, head of the association of Greek firefighter officers, stated that the fire is difficult due to the gusts of wind. Despite the challenges, firefighters are directing hoses and dousing flames, with helicopters dropping water.
The impact on affected communities is significant. Homes and farmlands have been destroyed, and evacuations have disrupted daily life. Tragically, three lives have been lost in the fire. An elderly man was found in the ruins of a destroyed building.
Calls for improved regional firefighting cooperation and resources have been made in light of these events. The firefighting efforts encompass a substantial deployment of personnel, with coordination involving military and emergency services.
This wildfire is not an isolated incident. Firefighters have already faced several major blazes this summer, including on the islands of Evia and Chios as well as in the western Peloponnese.
The situation has also affected transportation, with many ferries confined to port due to gales. The main mode of transport connecting thousands of islands and their crucial tourism sector is affected. Ferries are unable to depart on schedule from Piraeus and other Athens ports, especially to the Cyclades or Dodecanese islands.
Hundreds of travellers are waiting for news on a possible departure at Piraeus. Philip Elias, an American tourist, describes the situation as "huge lines, huge commotion, everyone's waiting in the sun and it's a very tough time."
Stranded travellers are forming a huge queue outside a ticket office, making desperate phone calls. Despite the challenges, the situation has improved on the Peloponnese peninsula west of Athens.
A separate blaze on the island of Cephalonia has been brought under control. However, a tragic incident occurred at the Sarakiniko beach on the tourist island of Milos, where a Vietnamese man and woman lost their lives.
An AFP journalist witnessed fire consuming a house and thick smoke choking the air in Palaia Fokaia. The coastguard reported the deaths of the Vietnamese couple at Sarakiniko beach.
Despite these challenges, the resilience of the Greek people shines through. The authorities, emergency services, and firefighters continue to work tirelessly to contain the wildfire and protect the affected communities.
- The general news is reporting an increase in concerns about health and safety as wildfire-related accidents, such as car-accidents due to reduced visibility and evacuation-related incidents, are becoming more frequent due to the ongoing wildfires in Greece.
- As wildfires continue to ravage several regions in Greece, including the recent wildfire in Keratea, weather updates have become crucial for both firefighters and residents, with accurate predictions of wind speed and direction playing a vital role in managing and containing the fires.
