Environment/Science
Environment/Science
Greece wildfires: At least 20 dead, over 100 injured

Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 24 Jul 2018, 06:11 am Print

Greece wildfires: At least 20 dead, over 100 injured

Athens: A deadly forest fire has killed at least 20 people while it ravaged parts of Greece.

According to reports, over 100 firefighters are trying to bring the blaze under control, as the country is seeking international support.

Authorities have said that apart from the deceased, over 100 people have sustained injuries and 10 tourists are said to be missing.

Pledging his support, Greece's Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said that his government will do everything that is humanly possible.

Tsipras also cut short his Bosnia trip to oversee the rescue operation, which has been stated by firefighters as 'extremely difficult'.

According to government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos, 16 children are among the casualties, while 11 others are said to be critical.

A state of emergency has been declared in the Attica region near Athens.

Reports said that on Monday, over hundreds, including adults and children, were evacuated from their homes and holiday camps, after the blaze went out of control.

Following an official request for help, countries such as Italy, Germany, Poland and France have sent volunteers and vehicles to Greece.

The wildfires are said to be the worst to hit Greece in a decade.

 

Image: Screengrab from YouTube videos