Summary:
- A massive wildfire in Athens’ suburbs has led to mass evacuations and urgent appeals for international help.
- Residents are desperately trying to protect their homes as thick smoke and flames engulf the area.
- The fire has already destroyed homes, businesses, and a sports hall, with 10,000 hectares devastated.
A massive wildfire in the northeastern suburbs of Athens has forced thousands of residents to flee their homes on Monday. The Greek government has urgently appealed for international help as the flames spread rapidly.
Residents in areas like Nea and Palaia Penteli, Vrilissia, and Patima Halandriou were seen desperately hosing down their homes to protect them from the encroaching fire. The fire is the first of its kind in these leafy suburbs, causing widespread panic and forcing evacuations.
Television footage captured the devastating scene, with charred cars and burning rooftops as helicopters dropped water from above. Smoke from the fire spread across central Athens, creating thick grey clouds over Mount Pentelikon, famous for its marble used in ancient buildings like the Acropolis.
The fire has already destroyed a sports hall in Nea Penteli and damaged many homes and businesses. The National Observatory of Athens narrowly avoided destruction. By midday Monday, the fire had devastated 10,000 hectares, according to the Observatory’s website.
