Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Factions' statement: The attendees agreed to support and continue implementing the ceasefire agreement measures, including the withdrawal of the occupation and lifting the siege.
Factions' statement: Calling for an end to all forms of torture and violations against prisoners in occupation prisons and the necessity of obligating the occupation to do so.
Statement: The current moment is crucial, making the meeting a true turning point toward national unity in defense of our people and their right to life, dignity, and freedom.
Factions' statement: Call for an urgent meeting of all Palestinian forces and factions to agree on a national strategy.
Factions' statement: Continuing joint work to unify visions and positions to confront the challenges facing the Palestinian cause.
Statement of the factions: Emphasis on the unity of the Palestinian political system and the independent national decision.
Statement: Approval to establish an international committee to oversee the financing and implementation of the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
Statement: The committee is responsible for managing life and services in cooperation with Arab brothers and international institutions, based on transparency and accountability.
Resistance factions' statement: Agreement to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a temporary Palestinian committee of independent technocrats.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Two people martyred in the Israeli airstrike that targeted a vehicle in Toul.

Greece wildfires intensify as heatwave grips southern Europe

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 13 Aug 2025 15:56
  • 1 Shares
3 Min Read

Wildfires continue to spread in Greece as extreme heat grips southern Europe, threatening communities, cultural landmarks, and ecosystems.

Listen
  • x
  • Firefighters and volunteers use a water hose near a burning blaze trying to extinguish a fire in the village of Glatsona on Evia island, on August 9. (Angelos Tzortzinis/AFP/Getty Images)
    Firefighters and volunteers use a water hose near a burning blaze trying to extinguish a fire in the village of Glatsona on Evia island, on August 9, 2025. (Angelos Tzortzinis/AFP via Getty Images)

Wildfires raged across Greece on August 13, with more than 20 blazes threatening towns, cultural sites, and forests as extreme heat and strong winds fueled the flames.

Thousands have been evacuated in southern Europe, where scientists warn that climate change is intensifying such disasters.

As of Wednesday morning, 4,850 firefighters and 33 aircraft have been deployed nationwide in what officials described as “a very difficult day.” Fire service spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said operations were underway from the Peloponnese to the Aegean islands.

A blaze near the Mycenaean archaeological site of Voudeni, just seven kilometers from Patras, threatened homes and forested areas. Fierce winds have hampered aerial firefighting efforts, making it harder for water bombers to refill at sea.

Related News

French court finds TotalEnergies guilty of greenwashing claims

'Climate trigger' formally ruled out of Australia environment laws

Threats to cultural sites and communities

In the western Achaia region, home to the coastal city of Patras, 20 villages were evacuated on Tuesday. Fires also broke out on the tourist island of Zante and on Chios, already scarred by a massive blaze in June that destroyed more than 4,000 hectares.

The Greek coast guard evacuated nearly 80 people from Chios and near Patras, while hospitals reported 52 cases of respiratory issues and minor burns.

Temperatures are forecast to approach 40°C in western Greece, adding to the risk. The government requested four water bombers from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, but opposition party Syriza criticized the response, calling for greater investment in prevention, coordination, and new technology for civil protection.

Heatwave and climate change connection

Across southern Europe, extreme heat has worsened the wildfire crisis. Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, the Balkans, and Britain have all recorded soaring temperatures this week. Scientists say such conditions are becoming more frequent and severe due to human-induced climate change.

In Spain, cooler weather is expected to help firefighters after two weeks of extreme heat left 98,784 hectares burned so far this year, more than double last year’s total by this time. Portugal deployed 1,800 firefighters against five major blazes, while Italy extinguished a fire that burned for five days on Mount Vesuvius.

The UK also braced for its fourth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures expected to reach 34°C in parts of England. Health officials warned of significant strain on medical and social services.

  • Greece
  • Greece wildfire
  • wildfires
  • Environmental disaster
  • Climate change
  • Environment

Most Read

From previous scenes of the Qassam Brigades targeting an Israeli D9 bulldozer with a Yassin 105 shell, east of Deir al-Balah. (Military Media of the Qassam Brigades)

US knew fatal Rafah blast cause was not Hamas op., says journalist

  • Politics
  • 20 Oct 2025
'Israel’s Digital Iron Dome: Weaponizing the web against Palestine

'Israel’s Digital Iron Dome: Weaponizing the web against Palestine

  • Technology
  • 24 Oct 2025
Abu Hamza, the spokesperson for the Al-Quds Brigades, during a speech televised on October 22, 2025 (Al-Quds Brigades Military Media)

Al-Quds Brigades' Abu Hamza mourns leaders, vows continued resistance

  • Politics
  • 22 Oct 2025
US missionary kidnapped in Niger capital, suspected taken toward Mali

US missionary kidnapped in Niger capital, suspected taken toward Mali

  • Africa
  • 23 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
Flags of Iran, Russia, and China (IRNA)
Politics

Russia, China, Iran send joint letter to IAEA on Resolution 2231 end

Rubio says UNRWA to play no role in Gaza aid deliveries
Politics

Rubio says UNRWA to play no role in Gaza aid deliveries

Tents are seen at UN school used as a shelter for displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis, Tuesday, September 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)
Politics

UN warns of 'lost generation' amid Gaza education crisis

x
Politics

White House pushes to repeal US sanctions on Syria: Report

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS