SUMMARY
A severe wildfire in Greece, driven by strong winds, is raging near Athens, destroying homes and cars. The blaze has forced the evacuation of hospitals and 11 towns. More than 560 firefighters are battling the flames.
1 / 10Hurricane-force winds fuel the fire: A forest fire caused by strong winds has devastated areas near Athens. The fire has destroyed trees, houses and vehicles. Greek authorities have ordered the evacuation of hospitals and at least 11 towns. (Image by Reuters)
2 / 10Intense fire spreads south: Hundreds of wildfires have broken out in Greece since May, Reuters reported. The latest blaze started at 3pm (noon GMT) on Sunday near Varnavas, 35 km (22 miles) north of Athens. By Monday morning, it had spread to several towns including Grammatiko, Marathon and Nea Makri. (Image by Reuters)
3 / 10Firefighting efforts underway: More than 560 firefighters and volunteers are battling the blaze. They are supported by 17 water-bombing aircraft and 15 helicopters. Firefighting operations were suspended overnight but resumed early on Monday. (Image by Reuters)
4 / 10Hospitals evacuated: At least three hospitals in Penteli have been evacuated. Firefighters’ spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said the flames reached 25 metres in height and spread “like lightning” due to strong winds. Thick smoke covered the sky over Athens. (Image by Reuters)
5 / 10The Prime Minister returns: Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis returned from Crete to oversee the response. The current blaze brings back memories of the 2018 Mati fire that killed 104 people. (Image by Reuters)
6 / 10Fire alert issued: Authorities are on high alert until Thursday. Weather experts warn of a “very difficult week” with temperatures around 40°C and strong winds. Climate Crisis Minister Vassilis Kikilias highlighted the extreme conditions. (AP Photo)
7 / 10Smoke darkens Athens: Smoke from the fire darkened the sky over Athens. By Sunday afternoon, the flames had reached the residential neighborhood of Dionysos, about 23 kilometers northeast of the city center. (AP Photo)
8 / 10Firefighters are fighting on multiple fronts: The fire is burning on several fronts, including the coastal municipality of Nea Makri and Mount Penteli. Strong winds are causing the flames to change direction unpredictably. (AP Photo)
9 / 10Hottest summer forecast: Greece is expected to experience its hottest summer on record, following the warmest winter on record and periods of low rainfall. Authorities are bracing for continued high temperatures and the risk of fires. (AP Photo)
10 / 10Continuous risk of fire: The fire situation remains critical and there remains a risk to other communities. Authorities continue to urge vigilance as efforts to control the fire continue. (AP Photo)
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