Water-bombing aircraft deployed to combat massive wildfires in Greece.
Greece is battling a second consecutive week of massive wildfires, exacerbated by high temperatures and dry conditions. Water-bombing aircraft, grounded earlier due to strong winds, have resumed operations, joining hundreds of firefighters on the ground. The blazes have already claimed five lives, including two pilots of a helicopter that collided during firefighting operations. Authorities have ordered new evacuations and warned of "extremely difficult" days ahead, with over 12,000 hectares of forest and agricultural land already burned. The situation highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in the Mediterranean region, linked to climate change.
Key Points
- Greece is experiencing widespread wildfires, with water-bombing aircraft resuming operations after being grounded by strong winds.
- The fires have resulted in five fatalities, including two pilots involved in firefighting operations.
- Over 12,000 hectares of land have been burned, leading to new evacuations and warnings of continued severe conditions.
- The increasing intensity of wildfires in the Mediterranean is linked to climate change.
Exam Facts
- Nine water-bombing aircraft and nine helicopters were deployed.
- Two Bell helicopters collided near Psatha, killing a Danish pilot and a Greek co-pilot.
- Attica and Boeotia were placed at level four on a five-point fire danger scale.
- The European Union's Copernicus Earth observation programme is cited.
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