Key Facts
• August 13: Greece battles wildfires in 12 locations, including Patras.
• Thousands of firefighters, supported by the military, deployed nationwide.
• 12 children and 80 elderly evacuated from Patras facilities.
• 17th-century monastery roof destroyed by fire.
• Fires also reported on Zakynthos, Kefalonia, and Chios islands.
• Heatwave spreads fires across Southern Europe, forcing mass evacuations.
• Spain: 6,000 evacuated; 7 injured, including 4 critically.
• Portugal: 2,100 firefighters and 20 aircraft combat fires in five regions.
• UK: Fourth heatwave sparks wildfires; 5 sq km burned in North York Moors.
• Scientists link worsening fires to human-induced climate change.
Summary
Greece is grappling with widespread wildfires, with 12 locations, including Patras, severely affected. Thousands of firefighters, supported by the military, are battling the flames, while evacuations have been carried out for vulnerable groups. A 17th-century monastery has suffered damage, and fires have spread to popular tourist islands like Zakynthos and Kefalonia. The heatwave has exacerbated the crisis, impacting Southern Europe, including Spain, Portugal, and the UK. Spain has evacuated 6,000 people, while Portugal has deployed over 2,100 firefighters. In the UK, unprecedented wildfires have burned 5 square kilometers in North York Moors. Scientists attribute the worsening situation to human-induced climate change.
