Greece is currently grappling with severe wildfires that have engulfed the city of Alexandroupolis for the past four days. The flames have reached the grounds of a university hospital, leading to the evacuation of dozens of patients, including newborn babies and intensive care patients. The situation has been exacerbated by high winds and temperatures exceeding 39C (102F). Similar fires have also erupted on the island of Evia and in Boeotia, resulting in the evacuation of several villages. Tragically, one person has already lost their life due to the fires.
To address the alarming situation, Greek officials have mobilized a fleet of ambulances and buses to transfer approximately 115 patients from the university hospital. While some patients have been relocated to other hospitals within the city, around 90 patients, particularly those requiring intensive care and newborn babies, have been transported to a ferry called Adamantios Korais, which has been repurposed as a floating hospital. In a race against time, patients hooked up to oxygen bottles have been placed on makeshift beds on the ship’s deck, while tents have been erected on the shore to accommodate them. Additionally, residents from eight nearby villages were instructed to evacuate and find refuge in Alexandroupolis, further straining the city’s resources.
The wildfires have not been limited to Alexandroupolis alone, as fires rage in Rhodope and Kavala, located several kilometers northwest and west along the coast, respectively. To assist Greek firefighters, France, Cyprus, and Romania have dispatched reinforcements. This collaborative effort exemplifies international solidarity in combating the devastating impact of wildfires. However, it underscores the urgent need for global cooperation in addressing climate change, which has contributed to the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves.
Greece’s experience is not an isolated incident. Last month, the country faced widespread wildfires, particularly on the island of Rhodes. In fact, Greece encountered its worst July for wildfires since 2008. Janez LenarÄiÄ, the EU’s Commissioner for Crisis Management, highlighted the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that the burnt area is larger and fires are more intense than ever before. Ioannis Artophios, a spokesperson for the Greek fire service, acknowledged the “extreme phenomena” they are currently battling, urging everyone to adapt to these challenging circumstances.
The situation in Greece is part of a larger trend across Europe, with several countries, including Spain, currently facing extreme wildfire risks. Tenerife, a Spanish island, has been battling a blaze for nearly a week, forcing the evacuation of over 12,000 individuals and causing extensive damage to thousands of acres of land. While authorities believe the worst is behind them, this event serves as a stark reminder of the destructive consequences of wildfires. Meanwhile, southern regions of France may witness record-breaking heat in the coming days, with temperatures exceeding 40C. These alarming developments emphasize the need for immediate action to mitigate the impact of climate change.
Greece’s predicament serves as a wake-up call to policymakers and individuals around the world. Urgent measures must be taken to combat climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and invest in sustainable and resilient infrastructure. Additionally, countries need to enhance their disaster preparedness and response capabilities to effectively tackle future crises. The international community must work together to develop comprehensive strategies and allocate adequate resources to safeguard lives, protect valuable ecosystems, and prevent the irreversible consequences of climate change. Failure to address these issues promptly will result in more frequent and devastating wildfires, threatening the well-being and safety of communities worldwide.
