Relief as Greek wildfires ease by Tomasz Schafernaker
Fire officials in Greece claim that all major fires are now receding but authorities remain on very high alert with the risk of further fires breaking out.
The huge and devastating blazes have claimed the lives of at least 64 people and have obliterated record swathes of fields and forests in six days. It is estimated that six and a half million acres of farmland have been incinerated with countless acres of pine forests and olive groves reduced to ash. 110 villages were also destroyed by the blazes.
France, Italy, Cyprus and Israel sent firefighters, and in some cases aircraft, to help battle the ferocious flames. Another 12 countries have also sent reinforcements.
The worst affected area is across the southern Peloponnese region. Much of Arcadia – a prime tourist attraction in the central Peloponnese has been reduced to cinders with thousands of rural Greeks facing financial ruin.
Greece has suffered a prolonged and stifling hot summer that has turned much of the country to a tinderbox. Although temperatures across Greece have dropped to around 28C (82F) recently, forecasters warn that another heatwave is expected this coming weekend.
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