Chios Island Faces Escalating Wildfires: State of Emergency Declared
Large wildfires continue to rage for a second consecutive day across the island of Chios, which has been declared in a state of emergency. Authorities ordered further evacuations on Monday, bringing the total number of evacuated settlements to at least sixteen.
Multiple fires have broken out in five locations across the eastern and northern parts of the island, while strong winds severely hinder firefighting efforts. The blazes are affecting the areas of Kofinas, Agia Anna, Agios Makarios, Vrontadon, Agios Markos, and Agiasmata.
Since the morning, the 112 emergency alert system has issued multiple warnings urging citizens to evacuate nine more settlements. Satellite images reveal that smoke from the fire, fueled by strong winds, has traveled nearly 400 kilometers, reaching as far as Crete.
In response to the escalating situation, the government announced the deployment of additional firefighting forces to Chios. The situation remains critical as firefighting teams battle multiple active fronts, some dangerously close to residential areas, as stated by government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis during a news conference.
He added that an additional 171 firefighters are being deployed to the island in the northeastern Aegean Sea, joining around 190 others already on the ground. Four aircraft and thirteen helicopters are also operating in the area, aiming to protect homes and preserve masticha-producing regions.
As the wildfires continue to spread, the community is rallying together, while authorities work diligently to contain the flames and safeguard residents and local wildlife from this environmental disaster. The efforts of the firefighting teams and the response of the local government will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this devastating event on the island.
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