Wildfire erupts near to hospital in Greece, prompting evacuation
Date
7/10/2024 3:20:55 AM
(MENAFN) On Tuesday, a wildfire exacerbated by strong winds erupted in the Greek port city of Patras, prompting authorities to initiate evacuations of a children's hospital and nearby residents. Emergency response efforts mobilized 80 firefighters, supported by 25 vehicles and 10 water bombers, who worked tirelessly to contain the blaze as it threatened populated areas.
Civil protection officials reported that residents from three neighborhoods in Patras, located in the Peloponnese region and Greece's third-largest city, evacuated their homes and sought refuge in the city center. Meanwhile, patients from the affected children's hospital were safely transferred to other medical facilities within the city.
The wildfire outbreak in Patras is part of a broader crisis across Greece, characterized by severe fire conditions exacerbated by high winds and soaring temperatures. Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias has described this year as Greece's "worst wildfire season in 20 years," underscoring the gravity of the situation.
While Patras Mayor Kostas Peletidis indicated some improvement in the situation, emphasizing that no houses were currently under immediate threat from the flames, authorities remain vigilant amid ongoing fire risks. Additional wildfires were reported across the country on Tuesday, driven by adverse weather conditions including high winds and temperatures reaching 37 degrees Celsius (98 degrees Fahrenheit) in the Attica region, encompassing Athens.
Forecasters from Meteo.gr have issued warnings for a "very high risk" of wildfires in six regions on Wednesday, including central Greece, Peloponnese, Attica, and northeastern Aegean Sea islands like Lesbos. Parts of the country are expected to experience temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, coupled with strong winds reaching speeds of 39-49 kilometers per hour (24-30 miles per hour).
The recent surge in wildfires comes amid unprecedented weather patterns in Greece, where June temperatures, typically averaging 30-31 degrees Celsius, have reached record highs not seen since 1960. Experts attribute these extreme weather events, including prolonged heatwaves, to climate change, which heightens the likelihood and intensity of such incidents. The situation underscores the urgent need for robust emergency response measures and long-term climate adaptation strategies to mitigate the impact of wildfires and protect communities across Greece.
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