Forest fires sweep Greece and Spain.. Authorities evacuate residents of dozens of villages

Arab Weather - Greek officials ordered the evacuation of areas north of Athens to confront a forest fire that has been sweeping the region since Sunday. Fire officials reported that the fire spread quickly during the night, damaging some homes, while firefighters worked throughout the night to contain the flames with the help of 29 water-spraying aircraft.

Officials warned that high temperatures and dangerous weather conditions would continue through Thursday.

In northeastern Spain, a forest fire broke out on Sunday, spreading quickly due to hot winds. It is worth noting that both Spain and Greece have been exposed to severe heat waves and dry weather this summer, which has increased the risk of forest fires.

Residents evacuated north-east of Athens due to massive forest fire

Greek authorities have evacuated residents of several towns northeast of the capital Athens after a massive forest fire broke out, local media reported Monday morning.

The fire, which broke out on Sunday afternoon in the northeastern town of Varnavas, spread quickly due to strong winds, spreading over an area of more than 30 kilometres (19 miles), Greece's state broadcaster said.

The fire, which is currently burning in three main directions, has forced authorities to evacuate residents of several villages and towns in the Nea Pantelei and Palaia Penteli regions, while evacuation orders have been issued for dozens of other towns.

Breaking News: Forest fires in Greece are edging closer to Athens! Stay safe, everyone. #GreeceFire #Athens #BreakingNews #Wildfires #ClimateCrisis pic.twitter.com/TdlabsFFEh

- TheWorldIsMyPlayground (@MeltingPotUS_) August 13, 2024

Greece continues to extinguish a huge fire northeast of Athens

Greek authorities are continuing their efforts to combat a huge fire raging in the northeastern suburbs of Athens. The fire has killed one person, forced thousands to evacuate their homes and polluted the air in the capital.

The body of a Moldovan woman in her 60s was found Tuesday morning inside a charred factory in the Chalandri area near Athens. Sixty-six people were treated for various injuries, including five firefighters, according to official sources.

Strong winds contributed to the expansion of the fire, which is the worst in Greece this year, as it spread over dry areas and consumed 10,000 hectares, destroying many buildings and vehicles.

Chalandri Mayor Simos Roussos told public broadcaster ERT that he saw about ten houses destroyed by the fire, as well as used car dealerships and shops, coal and paint warehouses. "The fire spread over a distance of 50 kilometers and changed direction 10 times," he said.

As most of the burning factories contained toxic chemicals, the Greek Labour Ministry has ordered a temporary halt to all outdoor work in the area. Thick smoke has blanketed much of the capital for two days, with scientists recording an alarming rise in hazardous particles in the air, especially during the night of Sunday and Monday.

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