GREECE-ATTICA - A huge Fire Hell in a few hours!

Greece » Attica » Athens

Yesterday (Monday, July 23, 2018), in the afternoon, a huge fire (of unknown reasons for the time being) was launched in East Attica, which due to the strong winds spread rapidly to a great extent, turning into hell many holiday resorts around Athens (Mati, Rafina, Kinetta, Kalamos, Voutzas, Nea Makri, Panorama). As the Greek government representative pointed out, the spread of the fire in Attica was very quick while there were 14 simultaneous fire points.

A human tragedy unfolds in Greece as at least 60 to 74 people have been confirmed dead from the lethal fires around Athens while, till now, 184 people are hospitalized, with eleven of them in intensive care. Greek firefighters, the Coast Guard, special teams of the Army and Navy and first responders consisting of underpaid every day heroes have saved thousands. Hundreds of homes have been destroyed, live beings have been shuttered. Apparently many people tried to reach the sea from nearby homes but they did not make it. Skai television reports showed that the Mati main road has been obliterated with dozens burned cars lining the two sides, while buildings and constructions around the road are also destroyed. Most of the destructive fires are out, but authorities fear that some may rekindle. In particular, there are fears that the fire in Gerania Mountains, near the town of Kineta where dozens of homes were destroyed on Monday, may reignite.Monday’s strong winds, mainly responsible for the rapid spreading of the wildfires, have eased down, making the firefighter’s work easier. Most fires are abating, but the fire department people and volunteers remain on their toes for possible rekindling.

Public areas and buildings, hotels and other premises in Attica area are open to give shelter to fire-stricken families. The Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has declared three-day mourning for the victims of the fires.