Greece Fights Back Against Devastating Wildfires as Criticism Mounts
Greek authorities are on high alert as they battle scattered wildfires on the outskirts of Athens, facing one of the worst fire crises in recent history. The ongoing disaster has forced mass evacuations and has resulted in at least one confirmed death, as officials evaluate the damage across the region.
As of Tuesday, the third day of the wildfire, firefighters received a much-needed respite with a drop in wind speeds, allowing them to contain the remnants of the inferno that had previously engulfed the northern suburbs of the capital. Greece's Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister, Vassilis Kikilias, reported that after 40 hours since the outbreak of the wildfires, there were no active fronts remaining, only scattered hotspots.
More than 700 firefighters, alongside waterbombing planes, forest commando units, police, army personnel, and volunteers, have tirelessly worked to extinguish the flames. Kikilias described the situation, stating, "They fought the fire in northeastern Attica with superhuman effort. We are not talking about a simple fire that simply got out of control; we are talking about the most difficult and dangerous scenario."
The wildfires wreaked havoc, demolishing homes, wildlife, and vehicles, leading to desperate evacuation orders. Thousands of citizens, including patients from three hospitals, residents from two monasteries, and children from a care facility were ordered to evacuate. Authorities sent out more than 30 emergency alerts, warning residents to flee to safety. Additionally, rescue services from at least six countries provided assistance at Greece's request through the European Civil Protection Mechanism, with Turkey, a non-EU member, among those offering support.
This summer has been marked by extreme heat and drought, with Greece enduring its hottest June and July on record, transforming the landscape into a veritable tinderbox. The wildfires ignited in the vicinity of Varnava, located 35 km (22 miles) northeast of Athens, quickly expanded and were reported to reach heights of 25 meters (about 115 feet) as they were propelled by formidable winds, devastating 400 km² of land in a matter of hours.
The tragedy has resulted in the loss of at least one life; the body of a woman, reportedly of Moldovan origin, was discovered in a factory in Vrilissia. The rapid devastation has shocked the nation, and political opposition parties have swiftly criticized the government’s handling of the crisis. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s center-right administration has faced mounting pressure, with accusations of inadequate response to the flames.
Media outlets have also voiced their discontent; the newspaper Ta Nea's front page declared, "Enough is enough," while the leftist Efsyn pointedly suggested, "Evacuate Maximou," referencing the Prime Minister's office building.
In light of the catastrophe, the government has proposed several support measures, with Mitsotakis planning to lead a crisis meeting on Tuesday at 6 PM local time. The announced 15-point aid package includes an initial payment of €10,000 (approximately $8,500) for properties deemed dangerous for use, designated with a red 'X', and €5,000 for those temporarily unsuitable, marked with a yellow 'X'. Residents affected by the fires may also apply for further financial assistance and interest-free loans for rebuilding efforts, alongside a three-year exemption from property taxes. Business owners impacted by the fires will not have to pay taxes for a minimum of six months.
However, these measures have been met with skepticism from the opposition, who ridiculed them as insufficient and merely a temporary fix, branding them as an "aspirin" for a crisis that requires much more decisive action.
As the government scrambles for damage control following the relentless wildfires that have torn through suburban communities and touched the capital, the need for robust climate policies and a sustainable firefighting strategy becomes increasingly evident.
Related Sources: