Ferocious wildfires, ignited by a perilous blend of 105°F heat and strong winds, have led to extensive havoc across Greece, triggering evacuations from popular tourist destinations.
Amidst these ongoing wildfires in the northern part of the country, 18 suspected migrant bodies were found burned.
The blaze continues to surge through the Evros region near Athens, as firefighting teams strive to quell the inferno.
The death toll has reached 20 from the devastating fires, which have razed homes and properties.
Authorities stumbled upon the burnt migrant remains near a shack in the Avanta area, prompting an investigation into the possibility of illegal entry into Greece.
Officials believe these migrants had likely crossed from Turkey, a common route for unauthorized immigration.
As firefighting efforts persist, the flames remain unchecked in northeastern Greece, and also on Evia and Kynthos islands. Evros, a region bordering Turkey, has seen several communities evacuated due to the ongoing risk of fresh fires.
The ecological impact is extensive, with Dadia National Park at risk, home to rare bird species and the Balkans’ only breeding site for black vultures. International assistance has bolstered firefighting endeavors, with countries including Cyprus, Romania, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Germany, and Serbia providing aid.
The plight is not confined to Greece; Spain is grappling with a six-day wildfire on Tenerife, while in July, Portugal, Spain, Algeria, and Tunisia lost a collective 520 square miles to blazes.
Climate change’s influence is evident, intensifying heatwaves and escalating the frequency and destructiveness of wildfires.
Southern European nations, traditionally familiar with fire challenges, now witness the flames spreading northward, affecting Germany, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic.
Amidst this complex scenario, the global community braces for mounting challenges as climate change continues to reshape weather patterns, ecosystems, and lives.
