WEATHER

Fierce Fires in Greece and Turkiye Leave Two Dead

Greece, IerapetraFri Jul 04 2025
In Greece, wildfires have been a major concern recently. On the island of Crete, a large fire near the town of Ierapetra forced 5, 000 people to evacuate. Firefighters and helicopters worked hard to control the blaze, and by Friday morning, there was no active fire front. The fire damaged some trees and olive groves but thankfully, no one was hurt. People are now starting to return to their homes. Meanwhile, in mainland Greece, another fire near the port town of Rafina caused some damage. Strong winds made the situation worse, and 300 people had to leave their homes. A few houses and vehicles were destroyed, and ferry services to nearby islands were disrupted. Firefighters are still on alert because of the strong winds. Greece hasn't been as hot as other parts of Europe, but temperatures are expected to rise this weekend, reaching up to 43 degrees Celsius in some areas. This heat could make the situation more dangerous. In neighboring Turkiye, the situation is more severe. Two people have died due to wildfires. A forestry worker was killed while trying to contain a fire near the town of Odemis, and an 81-year-old resident died from smoke inhalation. These are the first deaths in a series of wildfires that have forced thousands to flee. Hundreds of firefighters, along with aircraft and helicopters, are battling a large fire near the coastal town of Cesme. This fire has forced the evacuation of three neighborhoods and caused road closures. The fires in Turkiye have been fueled by strong winds, extreme heat, and low humidity, damaging or destroying about 200 homes. Hot, dry weather is common in Greece and Turkiye during this time of year. Summer wildfires are a regular occurrence, and experts warn that climate change is making conditions even worse. It's important to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent and manage these fires.

questions

    If the fires in Greece were a cooking competition, who would win the 'Best Grill Master' award?
    How is climate change contributing to the frequency and intensity of wildfires in Greece and Turkiye?
    What measures are being taken to ensure the safety of residents and tourists during wildfire evacuations?

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