BREAKING NEWS
Greece Wildfires Reach Athens, Thousands Evacuated
BBC News
Published: 08:45 GMT, 24 July 2023
Updated: 11:30 GMT, 24 July 2023
Athens, Greece – A devastating wildfire has swept through the Greek capital, Athens, forcing thousands of people to evacuate their homes and causing widespread destruction.
The fire, which started on the outskirts of the city, has been fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, and has now reached the city center.
Thousands Flee
Thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes, with many taking shelter in schools, community centers, and other public buildings.
"It’s like a war zone," said Maria Papadopoulos, a resident of the affected area. "I’ve never seen anything like it. The flames are so high, it’s like a giant wall of fire."
Emergency Services on the Scene
Emergency services, including firefighters and paramedics, are on the scene, working to contain the blaze and evacuate those in danger.
"We’re doing everything we can to put out the fire and protect the people of Athens," said Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. "We urge everyone to follow the instructions of the authorities and stay safe."
Widespread Destruction
The fire has already caused widespread destruction, with buildings and homes reduced to ashes.
"It’s a disaster," said Athens Mayor, Giorgos Kaminis. "We’re doing everything we can to help those affected, but it’s going to take a long time to recover from this."
International Assistance
International assistance has been pledged to help Greece combat the blaze, with firefighters and equipment being sent from neighboring countries.
"We stand in solidarity with the people of Greece," said European Union Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenar
i
. "We’re doing everything we can to help them put out this fire and recover from the damage."
Live Updates
For the latest updates on the situation in Athens, follow the BBC News live blog.
KEYWORDS
- Greece wildfires
- Athens wildfires
- Greece news
- Athens news
- Wildfires in Greece
- Evacuations in Greece
- Greece emergency services
- International assistance for Greece wildfires
- EU assistance for Greece wildfires
- Greece crisis management
- Athens disaster
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Greece wildfires reach Athens as thousands are evacuated | BBC News
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