Greece is battling forest fires, but strong winds continue to pose a threat

• Strong winds triggered evacuations in Greece.
• One person died, many buildings were destroyed.
• The threat of forest fires continues due to climate change.

The forest fire in the vicinity of Athens was brought under control on Saturday, but evacuations from unsafe areas continue due to strong winds, which are expected to persist.

At least one person has died, and buildings and agricultural facilities were destroyed on Friday when a fire, fueled by strong winds, spread across all of Greece, from the capital to regions near the historic site of Olympia.

The largest fire broke out in the small town of Keratea, to the southeast of the capital, where rescuers discovered the body of a man in a burned-out building. A fire service spokesperson reported on Saturday that the fire was contained, but not extinguished.

Greece and other Mediterranean countries are experiencing a region that scientists call a "hot spot" for forest fires, where blazes are common in the hot and dry summer months. In recent years, these fires have become more intense due to rapid climate change, which has led to new approaches being adopted.

Many regions around Athens have not received any significant rainfall for several months. Winds up to 80 km/h (50 mph) spread pollution around Keratea on Friday, affecting olive plantations. Local residents in light masks helped rescuers. Police searched buildings overnight to ensure that everyone had evacuated.

Many areas are still battling fires on Saturday, and local press reported destroyed buildings. Other fires in the regions of Olympia and on the tourist island of Kefalonia have also diminished.

Strong winds on Friday also caused the death of two foreign tourists who fell into the sea at Sarakiniko beach on the island of Milos. A 61-year-old woman and a 65-year-old man were part of a group of tourists who were enjoying the beach. According to the coastal guard, the woman fell into the water, and the man, presumably, attempted to rescue her.

The national meteorological service EMY forecasts winds up to 74 km/h (46 mph) on Saturday, and the Ministry of Civil Protection has announced several districts are at the highest level of danger due to forest fires, including the Attica region, which includes Athens.

The weather on Friday disrupted the normal life of tens of thousands of people. Swimming from the ports of Athens was canceled on Saturday.

Tags: Europe/Weather