On the island of Crete and in central Greece, efforts are underway to combat devastating wildfires that have already claimed the lives of three firefighters. This tragic incident occurred on Thursday as rescue workers were trying to stop the fire from spreading.
According to DW, two firefighters died on Crete, while a third lost his life on the mainland. The fires engulfing southwestern Crete have forced the evacuation of residents from several villages in the Rethymno area. The flames also threaten the resort town of Agia Galini, from which tourists were forced to leave.
The island’s deputy governor, Maria Lionis, reported that a total of about 8,000 people have been evacuated. The fires have already destroyed significant areas of farmland, including olive groves, as well as residential buildings.
The situation is being exacerbated by strong winds reaching speeds of 102 km/h, which are significantly hampering the firefighters’ efforts. The use of water-dropping aircraft is limited due to weather conditions.
Yorgos Tsapakos, the deputy regional governor for civil protection in Crete, noted that the situation is not improving and that the wind may intensify later that day.
