web counter
LEXO PA REKLAMA!

SHKARKO APP

App Store
Google Play

Greece this year is facing "50 percent more fires" than last year

2024-08-26 22:31:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Greece this year is facing "50 percent more fires" than last year

Greece has experienced 50 percent more fires this summer than in 2023, a Greek government spokesman said on August 26.

After an early heat wave and the hottest winter on record, Greece's summer season has been marked by a series of wildfires that have ravaged areas northeast of Athens.

"Since May 1, firefighters have faced about 4,000 fires, an increase of 50 percent compared to last year," spokesman Pavlos Marinakis told reporters.

The worst fire this year broke out on August 11 near the historic city of Marathon, 40 kilometers northeast of the Greek capital, Athens.

Fanned by strong winds, the fire has destroyed 10,000 hectares, claimed the life of a woman and forced thousands of people to flee their homes.

Read also: EU helps Greece fight wildfires
Two weeks since the massive fire broke out, the opposition is criticizing the Government for its handling of the disaster, which scientists say is being made worse by climate change .

Last week, Greek Prime Minister Kyrikakos Mitsotakis faced protests from angry residents as he visited areas affected by the fire.

The Greek prime minister defended the speed of the authorities' response, telling reporters that it took just 5 minutes for planes to engage in firefighting and just 2 minutes for more ground troops to be mobilized, thanks to surveillance drones.

Fossil fuel emissions are exacerbating the length, frequency and intensity of heat waves around the world, scientists have said.





Lajmet e fundit nga