At least 24 people have been reported dead so far, while more than 100 were injured as a result of massive fires at midnight on the outskirts of Athens. Authorities urged people to abandon their homes after strong winds caused one of the most powerful fires in the last two decades.
The fire began in the village of Mati, in the Rafina region, where most of the victims died as they were blocked inside houses or cars.
Nine coastal patrol boats, two military ships, and dozens of other private ships assisted by military helicopters tried to help people stranded at the port of Rafina. Local authorities announced the state of emergency urging assistance to other European states, where Cyprus and Spain reacted immediately.
Forest fires are common in Greece during this hot and dry season with temperatures up to 40 ° C.
Source: The Guardian
