Greece Deploys Water Bombers as Wildfires Rage Near Athens

Email: online@newsofbahrain.com

Athens: As firefighters fight flames for the fourth day in a row, the Greek government has stepped up its reaction to significant wildfires blazing northwest of Athens, deploying dozens of water-bombing aircraft and helicopters. Strong winds, high temperatures, and dry weather have made it difficult to contain the fires, which are spreading quickly through residential areas, farms, and forests.

To stop the fire from spreading to further settlements, hundreds of firefighters on the ground have been supported by more than 20 aircraft, including Canadair water bombers and helicopters. While emergency personnel continue to defend houses and vital infrastructure from spreading flames, authorities have issued evacuation orders in a number of villages.

The firefighting operation comes after a devastating setback on Sunday, when two firefighters lost their lives when their helicopter crashed during an aerial mission. Residences, farms, and agricultural land in the region affected have been damaged, and large areas of vegetation was destroyed. As the weather continues to foster the emergence of fire, residents were urged to remain vigilant and follow to evacuation instructions due to the reduced visibility caused by thick smoke.

Like many other Mediterranean nations, Greece has seen an increase in the severity of wildfires in recent years. Scientists attribute this trend to rising temperatures and an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events linked to climate change. Firefighting operations will continue around-the-clock until the fires are contained, according to authorities.