Greece hit by major wildfires as authorities work to evacuate areas

Greece hit by major wildfires as authorities work to evacuate areas
# 24 July 2022 08:56 (UTC +04:00)

Two strong forest fires are raging in Greece - on the island of Lesbos and in the Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest National Park in the country’s north-east.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis arrived at the crisis center on Saturday night, according to the prime minister’s office, APA reports citing Sputnik.

The fire on Lesbos began on Saturday morning, and has since approached the resort town of Vatera, forcing people to evacuate. Figures suggest upwards of 450 individuals have been evacuated Saturday.

The fire at the Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest National Park, a protected area of national and European significance, began on Thursday afternoon, with over 300 firefighters and 68 vehicles currently involved in extinguishing the blaze. Multiple special firefighting planes and a helicopter have also been tapped for the operation.

A total of over 50 wildfires started in Greece in the past 24 hours, according to the country’s firefighting service. Some 200 lumberjacks are said to also be working in the area to help maintain the forests and provide clearings to block the flames from spreading.

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THE OPERATION IS BEING PERFORMED