By V.E.K.Madhushani, Jadetimes News
Authorities Remain Vigilant as Hotspots and Flare-ups Pose Continuing Risk
There are no longer any active wildfires in the broader Athens area, but officials remain on high alert, according to Greece's chief fire brigade spokesman, Vasilis Vathrakogiannis. Firefighters will continue to saturate the ground with water and maintain a robust presence in the region to prevent any flare ups.
The combined efforts of emergency services and milder winds have helped bring the fires under control. However, the risk of new outbreaks remains due to wind gusts and daytime temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F).
The wildfires, which ravaged 100,000 acres (40,470 hectares) of land, claimed the life of one woman and injured dozens more, including firefighters. Thousands of residents were forced to evacuate their homes.
As the smoke that lingered over Athens begins to clear, authorities are assessing the damage and preparing compensation schemes for affected residents and businesses. The interior ministry has allocated €4.7 million (£4 million) in emergency funding to the impacted areas. Reports in Greek media indicate that less than 10% of the burnt land was forested.
Over 700 firefighters, 199 fire engines, and 35 water bombing aircraft have been deployed in the efforts to extinguish the fires, which first ignited on Sunday afternoon, approximately 35km (22 miles) north of the Greek capital. By Monday, fires had been confirmed in 40 different locations, with some flames reaching as high as 25 meters (82 feet).
Although the immediate threat has subsided, firefighters continue their operations to ensure that the situation remains under control. The suburbs of Nea Penteli, Vrilissia, and Patima Halandriou are among the hardest hit areas.
Residents like Marina, who was forced to flee her neighborhood in Nea Penteli, faced further distress when the flames reached her temporary refuge, prompting a second evacuation. "My friend probably lost everything he has no belongings left. And while everything was happening, even our school burned down. All our memories were there," she recounted.
In Vrilissia, just 14km (8 miles) from central Athens, buildings and businesses have been left in ruins. The body of a 63 year old woman was found in a burned out factory in nearby Patima Halandriou. Colleagues reported that she had been too frightened to jump from the building as the flames approached and was tragically trapped inside.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis cut short his holiday to manage the crisis. After activating the EU's mutual civil protection mechanism, Greece received assistance from European countries including Italy, France, Serbia, Spain, the Czech Republic, and Romania, which provided aircraft, personnel, and aid.
