EU Sends Emergency Aid to Greece as Wildfires Approach Athens, Prompting Evacuations

Wildfires have escalated on the outskirts of Athens, Greece, prompting an emergency response as thousands are evacuated from their homes, businesses, and even hospitals. The fires, fueled by the nation’s record-hot July and exacerbated by climate change, have spread rapidly through the wooded Mount Parnitha area near Athens, destroying property and leading to hospitalizations due to breathing problems. The EU is providing assistance, deploying aircraft and firefighters from several countries to combat the blaze, which has seen new flare-ups due to exploding fuel tanks in parked cars.

• The EU is sending emergency help to Greece to fight the severe wildfires near Athens.
• Thousands have been evacuated from homes, businesses, and hospitals in the affected areas.
• Aircraft are being used to tackle the blaze, but there is a shortage of firefighters on the ground.
• Explosions from fuel tanks of parked cars have caused new flare-ups.
• At least eight people have been hospitalized with breathing problems.
• High winds and the nation’s hottest July on record have fueled the flames.
• Scientists warn that wildfires are getting worse due to climate change.
• The EU, France, the Czech Republic, Spain, and Turkey are contributing resources and personnel to the firefighting efforts.
• There is mounting political pressure and public demand for more to be done to combat and mitigate the effects of wildfires.
• Greece has experienced deadly wildfires in the past, highlighting the ongoing risk and need for effective emergency response and preparation.

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