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Fast-moving wildfires are wreaking havoc in Greece, particularly around Patras, the country’s third-largest city with around 200,000 residents. The combination of extreme heat topping 38°C and powerful winds has caused flames to threaten the outskirts of the city, resulting in urgent evacuations, including from a children’s hospital.
In just two days, nearly 10,000 hectares in the Achaia region have been torched, with entire villages emptied and homes destroyed, including over 500 vehicles at a customs yard in Patras. The city streets are largely deserted as smoke fills the air, making it difficult for residents to breathe.
Greece's authorities have called for aid, requesting EU water bombers to assist the 4,800 firefighters battling more than 20 wildfires raging throughout the country. Meanwhile, the heatwave has also affected other parts of southern Europe, with Spain experiencing record high temperatures leading to civilian and firefighter casualties.
Discontent is brewing in Spain, where political tensions flare after the transport minister critiqued leadership during the fire crisis. The ongoing wildfires in the region highlight a broader climate issue, with meteorologists warning that such extremes are growing more common due to human-induced climate change.
With temperatures soaring, Italy and Portugal are also battling serious wildfires, showcasing the widespread effects of this year’s intense heatwave across southern Europe.
Fast-moving wildfires are wreaking havoc in Greece, particularly around Patras, the country’s third-largest city with around 200,000 residents. The combination of extreme heat topping 38°C and powerful winds has caused flames to threaten the outskirts of the city, resulting in urgent evacuations, including from a children’s hospital.
In just two days, nearly 10,000 hectares in the Achaia region have been torched, with entire villages emptied and homes destroyed, including over 500 vehicles at a customs yard in Patras. The city streets are largely deserted as smoke fills the air, making it difficult for residents to breathe.
Greece's authorities have called for aid, requesting EU water bombers to assist the 4,800 firefighters battling more than 20 wildfires raging throughout the country. Meanwhile, the heatwave has also affected other parts of southern Europe, with Spain experiencing record high temperatures leading to civilian and firefighter casualties.
Discontent is brewing in Spain, where political tensions flare after the transport minister critiqued leadership during the fire crisis. The ongoing wildfires in the region highlight a broader climate issue, with meteorologists warning that such extremes are growing more common due to human-induced climate change.
With temperatures soaring, Italy and Portugal are also battling serious wildfires, showcasing the widespread effects of this year’s intense heatwave across southern Europe.
