Fire approaches Athens – Greece receives aid from the European Union – Hufvudstadsbladet

“The EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated at the request of the Greek authorities,” the EU spokesman said. Balazs Ujvari In a statement, he added that Italy, France, the Czech Republic and Romania are sending troops.

Hundreds of firefighters and dozens of firefighting aircraft are trying to control the situation. A large fire that broke out in Varnavas, 30 kilometers from Athens, is out of control. At the same time, fires broke out in several other places in the extreme heat.

The historic town of Marathon has been evacuated. More than 30,000 residents were ordered to leave the municipality on Sunday evening and head to the coastal town of Nea Makri.

The evacuation order has been extended to parts of Athens. Among others, a children's hospital and a military hospital have been evacuated. In Athens, readiness has been increased at three hospitals, with two firefighters reported to have suffered minor injuries so far, and several civilians receiving hospital treatment for smoke damage.

Residents of Penteli, an Athens suburb at the foot of the famous marble mountain Pentelikon, watched helplessly as strong winds on Monday pushed the fire closer to their homes.

– Some houses burned down after midnight and we are trying to protect our restaurant, residents say. Mariana Papathanasi To Agence France-Presse.

The minister announced that the risk of fires is very high in half of Greece due to drought and strong local winds. Vassilis Kikilias Last Saturday.

The country experienced its hottest summer in a long time. During June and July, heat records were broken.

Are you there? Contact HBL via the form below.