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People and holiday paradises in danger: Greece is fighting fire!
Greece is fighting devastating forest fires on popular holiday islands and peninsulas. Pay attention to current warnings!
People and holiday paradises in danger: Greece is fighting fire!
Several devastating forest fires are currently raging in Greece, fueled by prolonged drought, high summer heat and strong winds. Popular holiday islands such as Kefalonia and Zakynthos as well as travel destinations on the Peloponnese peninsula and Chalkidiki are particularly affected. A major fire on Zakynthos is already threatening homes and causing great concern among residents and tourists. There are also fires in the Fokida region, north of the Peloponnese peninsula, and on Kefalonia, but no residential areas there are in acute danger. The Greek Ministry of Citizen Protection has warned the population and declared a major fire danger.
The second highest forest fire warning level currently applies to around a third of Greece. This includes almost the entire Peloponnese peninsula, the northwest coast as well as the islands of Lesbos and Samos as well as parts of Chalkidiki. Authorities strongly recommend citizens not to light embers to prevent further fires. This is also evident in the affected areas, where strong winds are already blowing, which can cause major fires from small sparks. The situation remains tense and the weather conditions are not helping to ease the situation.
Risk factors and effects
The persistent summer heat and wind are driving the fires further and making extinguishing work extremely difficult. In Zakynthos in particular, there is a growing risk that the flames will spread and cause further damage. The region has been affected by fires several times in recent years, but the current situation is alarming as the weather conditions are not expected. Strong winds are expected to continue in the coming days, which could further aggravate the situation.
The Greek government has taken extensive measures to contain the fires, but the outcome remains uncertain. The upcoming weather forecasts do not indicate that the situation will ease quickly, which represents an immense challenge for both the firefighters and the affected residents.
For the latest developments and information on the forest fires in Greece, you can read the coverage from Linth newspaper and SWP track.