Greece Battles Intensifying Wildfires as EU Nations Provide Urgent Aid

Greece is grappling with a severe and escalating wildfire crisis, now entering its second day, as blazes continue to ravage multiple regions across the country. European Union member states, including the Czech Republic and Italy, have swiftly deployed aircraft and firefighting teams to bolster the overwhelmed Greek emergency services.

Fires are still raging intensely this Sunday morning across the Peloponnese area west of the capital, as well as on the islands of Evia and Kythera. Aerial operations, including helicopters and specialized aircraft, resumed at dawn to combat the widespread infernos. Fire brigade spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis warned that “today is expected to be a difficult day with a very high risk of fire, almost throughout the territory,” despite some localized improvements.

The popular tourist island of Kythera has been particularly devastated, with its deputy mayor reporting approximately half of the island has been burned, threatening homes, olive groves, and a monastery. Urgent evacuation messages were issued to residents. On Evia, extensive forestland has been laid waste, thousands of farm animals have perished, and communities face severe disruptions to electricity and water supplies.

While forecasts suggest strong winds that have fueled the flames may subside in most areas later today, Kythera is still contending with “worrying” windy conditions. The ongoing crisis follows a week-long heatwave that saw temperatures soar above 40 degrees Celsius across Greece, though a slight cooling trend is anticipated from Monday.

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