Athens Declares Emergency Due to Severe Heatwave

The Greek Civil Protection announced a state of emergency in Athens on Friday, due to extreme fire danger, ordering the closure of parks and forests surrounding the city as temperatures soar above 40 degrees Celsius.

According to Infobae, Greek authorities also warned of heightened fire risks in seven other areas across the central and southern regions of the country, including the islands of Lesvos and Chios.

Civil protection officials stated that as of today, cars will be banned and park visitors evacuated from national parks, forests, and other high-risk areas.

The Greek Fire Service reported 64 fires across the country in the past 24 hours, with 57 extinguished before spreading.

The National Meteorological Service (EMY) forecasts strong winds adding to the high temperatures, posing additional risk to active fires in the country.

Last week, temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in several Greek regions, surpassing the typical range of 20 to 33 degrees Celsius for this time of year.

Firefighting authorities reported that dozens of firefighters are currently battling blazes, aided by six aircraft for water drops. Immediate reports of injuries or damages in the area have not been confirmed.

Dozens of forest fires have erupted in Greece in recent days amid rising temperatures, prompting authorities to warn of heightened fire risks this summer due to dry vegetation following a dry and warm winter season.