The catastrophic fire that is raging in Lake Evia on four main fronts continues at the moment and there is a lack of help from the air.
The pilots of two planes, which flew over the burning area with the first light of day, noticed a lack of visibility that did not allow them to make drops and left. However, a few minutes ago, a helicopter arrived and is operating in the area.
There was tension at the meeting of the Coordinating Body, which ended a while ago. The reactions from the governor of Central Greece, Fanis Spanos and the mayor of Mantoudi-Limni-Agia Anna, George Tsapourniotis were intense and demanded immediate intervention by air.
Already from the side of the Mainland Region, a drone was raised over the burning area in order to ascertain the real conditions that prevail and keep the air means stuck. In this way they want to determine at the same time the time when the visibility conditions will improve in order to call again the Coordinator of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection to send air forces.
The assessments that prevailed from all sides during the meeting of the Coordinating Body are that “the destruction from the fire will not stop even after 2 or 3 aircraft are sent to the area. The Air Force needs further reinforcement and immediate intervention” was the message they convey to the Civil Protection Coordinator.
Four large fronts
At the moment the fire has developed 4 large fronts and is moving in different directions. All night the fire was rising towards the mountain and at dawn, aided by the winds, it returns again to coastal areas.
In the village of Kourkouloi there is one front, the second in the area of Mandanika, the third in Kafkala and it is moving towards Rovies now and the fourth front is on the other side in Vateri and it is moving towards Limni.
During the Coordination effort the first valuation wants the burning area to have engulfed an area of up to 20,000 acres in which there are many facilities, houses, tourist accommodations, and warehouses the recording of which begins at this time.
According to the fire brigade, 95 firefighters are operating with 4 groups of firefighters on foot, 35 vehicles and 2 aircraft, but they left due to lack of visibility. Assistance is also provided by volunteers from the aquifer areas and construction machinery provided by the Municipality and the Region.
According to information that was submitted during the coordinating meeting, more than 10 houses have burned in the settlement of Sipiada, where the fire passed the fire zone of the firefighters, which was the coastal road, and reached the sea.
They have counted 6 burnt houses in the settlement of Chronia, where the fire was also contained on the coastal road, but not before it destroyed houses located on the side of the mountain, while there are other burnt houses in the wider area and the villages.
“We are talking about the absolute disaster and you do not know what will happen in the next few hours as there are no air means to help,” said the deputy mayor of Limni, Mr. Argyris Liaskos, speaking to AMNA.
The deputy mayor himself describes to AMNA that “there are dozens of burned houses in the villages, in the coastal areas where the fire went through. There are burned warehouses, farm facilities, herds and people who lost their lives. Unfortunately, the disaster continues. “Wherever the fire passes, it leaves nothing.”
Latest News
Critical Week for Greece-Cyprus Cable
The study concluded that the social benefits of the interconnection, totaling 8 billion euros, far outweigh its 1.9 billion euros construction cost, resulting in a net social benefit exceeding 6 billion euros.
Roberta Metsola Re-elected President of European Parliament
Her second term will be for a period of two and a half years
ELSTAT: 1.5% Increase in Business Turnover in May 2024
The most significant increase in turnover in May 2024 compared with May 2023 was recorded from the enterprises of the Accommodation and Food Service Activities, sector which grew by 14.8%.
Cosco: Container Traffic Decline at Piraeus Port Continues
This strategic shift has diminished Piraeus's standing as a prominent Mediterranean port and a key transshipment hub post-Suez Canal.
Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates
According to reports, the government will resume an electricity subsidization program, given that forecasts cite disruptions – i.e. higher rates
ELSTAT: 6.3% Increase in Output Price Index for Agriculture and Livestock
The 6.3% rise in May 2024 is largely driven by an 8.8% increase in the crop output group, particularly due to changes in olive oil prices, and a 0.5% increase in the animal output group.
Balkans Blackout Highlights Climate Threats to Power Grids
The surge in electricity demand during the heat wave and the power deficit in Balkan markets have driven up prices in the Greek wholesale electricity market.
Greece in Top 4 Destinations Favored by European Tourists
Greece was selected by 5.9% of respondents who were asked where they would vacation this year, up from 5.4% in the same survey last year
Scope Affirms Greece’s BBB- Ratings; Revises Outlook to Positive
The international ratings firm raised Greece to investment grade in early August 2023
First Seaplane Test Flights to Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros
After decades of on-again, off-again efforts to schedule regular seaplane routes to Greece's numerous island and coastal destinations the prospect now appears within sight