Greece Orders Evacuations Near Athens Amid Spreading Wildfires; Prime Minister Returns to Address Crisis

Wildfires continue to ravage areas near Athens, Greece, prompting the evacuation of residents and hospitals as firefighters battle the intensifying flames. The Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has returned to Athens from his holiday to oversee the efforts against the fires, which have been fueled by the country’s hottest summer on record and a prolonged drought. With some flames reaching heights of more than 25 meters, the situation has been described as harrowing, affecting at least 10 communities near the region of Varympompi, just north of the Greek capital. The crisis has resulted in a significant mobilization of resources, including more than 400 firefighters and numerous aerial firebombers, amid concerns that half the country is at high risk due to the prevailing high temperatures and gale force winds.

• Greece has ordered evacuations near Athens as wildfires spread, with flames reaching over 25 meters high.
• Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis cut short his holiday to address the crisis, as the country faces its hottest summer on record.
• At least 10 communities have been evacuated, with more on standby, affecting thousands of residents.
• More than 400 firefighters, assisted by aerial firebombers, are battling the wildfires.
• The fires have prompted intense smoke over Athens, causing concern and discomfort among residents and tourists.
• Authorities have advised those with respiratory problems to stay indoors due to the smoke.
• High temperatures, gale force winds, and a prolonged drought have contributed to the severity of the fires.
• Half the country is at high risk of wildfires, with no immediate relief in sight from the high temperatures and winds.
• The Greek government is expected to seek EU assistance to combat the fires.

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