Greece Battles Worst Wildfire of the Year in Athens
- Thousands forced to flee their homes as firefighters struggle to contain Greece's worst wildfire in Athens.
- No active wildfires in Athens area, thanks to the efforts of emergency services and milder winds.
- Government under scrutiny as cleanup operations begin in the aftermath of the devastating wildfire.
Firefighters in Greece have made significant progress in extinguishing a major wildfire that erupted near Athens, resulting in one confirmed death and the evacuation of thousands. The blaze, which scorched approximately 40 square miles of land, threatened tourist areas and prompted emergency responses from multiple European Union countries. Although most active fronts have been subdued, officials remain vigilant due to the potential for flare-ups amid ongoing high temperatures and strong winds. The wildfire, which began on Sunday in Varnavas, north of Athens, quickly spread to nearby suburbs, including Nea Makri and Marathon. A woman was found deceased in a burned business in Vrilissia, approximately 10 kilometers from the city center. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited firefighting teams to express gratitude for their efforts, emphasizing the need for improved resources in light of the climate crisis. The government has announced compensation measures for affected residents, though opposition parties have criticized the response as inadequate. As of Wednesday, over 700 firefighters, supported by aircraft and international teams, have been deployed to combat the flames. While the immediate threat has diminished, officials continue to monitor the situation closely, with warnings of rekindling due to dry conditions. The interior ministry has allocated emergency funding to assist those impacted, as the community begins to assess the damage and recover from the disaster. The wildfire is part of a broader trend of extreme weather in Greece, which has experienced record heat and drought this summer. As the country grapples with the aftermath, questions arise regarding preparedness for future wildfires, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced disaster management strategies.