Europe continues to be hit by extreme heat waves, with Greece and Turkey reporting high temperatures and wildfires. In Greece, wildfires have been raging for two consecutive days, prompting authorities to seek support from the European Union. Meanwhile, Turkey recently recorded temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, setting a new national record.
According to various media reports, Greece has been facing a week-long heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius in many areas, leading to multiple serious forest fires. As of Sunday (July 27), the areas west of Athens, including the Peloponnese region, Evia Island, Kythira Island, and Crete, are still engulfed in flames. Despite dispatching multiple firefighting aircraft and helicopters on Sunday morning, the fire has not been fully contained.
Although the high temperatures are expected to slightly ease starting from Monday (July 28), officials have warned that 11 regions in the country still face “extremely high” wildfire risks. Evacuation orders have been issued to residents in multiple areas.
Due to the spreading wildfires, Greece has issued an emergency plea to the European Union. Firefighters from the Czech Republic and firefighting aircraft from Italy have arrived in the country to assist with extinguishing the fires.
Neighboring Turkey is also facing extreme heat challenges, with wildfires breaking out in multiple regions. The country’s meteorological department reported a temperature of 50.5 degrees Celsius in the southeastern city of Silopi on Saturday (July 26), marking the highest temperature ever recorded in the country.
The western city of Bursa is currently battling severe wildfires, forcing over 1,700 people to evacuate their homes on Sunday. More than 1,900 firefighters are tirelessly combating the blazes.
Bursa Mayor Mustafa Bozbey stated in a release that a firefighter tragically passed away due to a sudden heart attack during the rescue operation. The death toll from wildfires in Turkey has now reached 14, with 10 of the fatalities being forestry workers and firefighting volunteers who lost their lives in a recent forest fire in the northwestern Eskisehir province.
Authorities have reported at least 76 fire outbreaks across the country in the past 24 hours.