Latest news with #GreekFireBrigade
The Independent
9 hours ago
- The Independent
Greece wildfires: Dozens evacuated as flames ravage holiday island
Wildfires fanned by strong winds are continuing to rage across the Greek island of Chios for a second consecutive day, prompting authorities to evacuate more villages. Some 190 firefighters, supported by six aircraft, are engaged in efforts to contain the blazes in the northeastern Aegean Sea. Their primary objective is to prevent the flames from reaching residential areas and regions vital for the production of mastiha, a natural resin harvested from mastic trees. However, their efforts have been significantly complicated by strong gusts of wind throughout Monday, according to a Greek fire brigade official. The fires have already consumed swathes of forest and pasture land, forcing dozens of villagers to flee their homes for safety. The widespread destruction has also led to power cuts. Sitting at Europe's hot southernmost tip, Greece has felt the economic and environmental impact of frequent wildfires in recent years that scientists say have been exacerbated by a fast-changing climate. The country has spent hundreds of millions of euros to compensate households and farmers for damage related to extreme weather and acquire new and modern firefighting equipment to deal with wildfires. It has hired a record number of firefighters this year in anticipation of a difficult fire season. Last week, a wildfire raging through a dense forest near Ano Souli, a village northeast of Athens, prompted evacuation orders as dozens of Greek firefighters battled to bring the blaze under control. Around 120 firefighters, supported by 17 aircraft and 30 engines, were deployed to the village, which is located approximately 25 miles from the Greek capital. Earlier this year it was reported that Athens is the hottest capital in continental Europe. It saw record temperatures in 2024, a situation that is becoming the new normal. The Mediterranean as a whole is warming faster than the global average. With travel booming to Greece, authorities predict Athens will welcome a record 10 million visitors this year. Those arriving in July and August will face even more extreme temperatures, the national meteorological service predicts, creating a perfect combination of tourism and scorching weather.
Reuters
10 hours ago
- Climate
- Reuters
Firefighters battle wildfires on Greece's Chios island for second day
ATHENS, June 23 (Reuters) - Dozens of firefighters battled to tame wildfires fanned by strong winds on the Greek island of Chios in the northeastern Aegean Sea for a second day on Monday as authorities evacuated more villages. Some 190 firefighters assisted by six aircraft were trying to contain the blazes and keep them away from homes and areas known for their production of mastiha, a natural resin harvested from mastic trees. Gusts of wind on Monday complicated efforts to extinguish the wildfires which have burnt forest and pasture land, forced dozens of villagers to flee their homes for safety and caused power cuts, a Greek fire brigade official told Reuters on condition of anonymity on Monday. Sitting at Europe's hot southernmost tip, Greece has felt the economic and environmental impact of frequent wildfires in recent years that scientists say have been exacerbated by a fast-changing climate. The country has spent hundreds of millions of euros to compensate households and farmers for damage related to extreme weather and acquire new and modern firefighting equipment to deal with wildfires. It has hired a record number of firefighters this year in anticipation of a difficult fire season.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Glasgow holidaymakers warned amid tsunami fears at popular destination
Glasgow holidaymakers have been warned after an earthquake has sparked tsunami fears on a Greek island. Tourists in Crete have been urged to avoid the coasts after a huge 6.1 magnitude earthquake rocked the island. The natural disaster comes after the Glasgow Times reported last week that a 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck the holiday hotspot. READ MORE: Young man charged with 'traffic offences' following stop The tremor, which was felt across the Aegean Sea and as far as Turkey and Israel, led to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) issuing a tsunami warning. People in Greece, Turkey, Italy, France, and Portugal were advised to monitor local alerts and stay away from coastal areas. The US Geological Survey reported that the quake struck at a depth of 42 miles. It comes just over a week after a similar 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit near Kasos, east of Crete—an area frequently visited by Glaswegian holidaymakers. READ MORE: Tributes pour in for young Glasgow holidaymaker found dead in Australia Local news footage showed minor damage, including supermarket shelves emptied by the shaking and rockslides on rural roads. While no casualties or significant damage have been reported, the Greek fire brigade has placed its units across Crete on high alert. The region has experienced increased seismic activity in recent months. Since January, thousands of smaller earthquakes have been recorded around the Cycladic islands of Santorini, Amorgos, Ios, and Anafi, leading to temporary school closures in some areas. READ MORE: Man dies after being pulled from water at popular beauty spot near Glasgow Fortunately, those tremors have not caused major damage. Experts note that while Greece is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in Europe, quakes of this scale are rare. The Aegean Sea lies at the convergence of the African and Anatolian tectonic plates, making it a natural hotspot for seismic activity, but a quake of this magnitude has not been recorded in the region since 1964. As the situation develops, tourists are advised to remain vigilant, follow updates from local authorities, and avoid coastal areas until further notice.
