Due to the combined effects of strong winds, high temperatures, and drought conditions, over 80 wildfires broke out in multiple locations across Greece on the 12th, resulting in large-scale evacuations, and the destruction of numerous homes, farmlands, and industrial facilities.
Greece has requested assistance from the European Union to combat the wildfires.
According to the official Greek news agency, Athens News Agency, 82 wildfires occurred across Greece in the past 24 hours. As of 11 pm that day, 23 wildfires had yet to be extinguished. Several days of persistent strong winds have fueled the spread of the fires, greatly hindering firefighting efforts. The Greek government has mobilized firefighters, forest rangers, and volunteers from across the country for rescue efforts.
A major fire broke out in the industrial area of Patras in western Greece that day, damaging industrial facilities, homes, and farmland. Over 20 residential areas were urgently evacuated, and major highway traffic was temporarily disrupted.
On Zakynthos Island in the Ionian Sea, the fire situation was severe, with three firelines totaling over 15 kilometers in length. Many homes and farm buildings were damaged; helicopters had difficulty conducting rescue operations due to wind and complex terrain.
In addition, wildfires also broke out in the western Greek regions of Vonitsa and Preveza, where agricultural land, olive groves, stables, and warehouses were destroyed.
According to Greek national television, forests and farmland on the southern Aegean island of Chios were engulfed by flames, and several villages in the Volissos area were affected. Some homes and olive oil factories were destroyed, and people from six villages and three residential areas were forced to evacuate.
Since late July, Greece has experienced persistent high temperatures and drought, and recent rampant strong winds have led to frequent wildfires.