Wildfires which spread through various islands around Athens in Greece are still not entirely under control. There have been no casualties but there has been huge damage to property. More than 20,000 people are homeless and more are being evacuated.

Meanwhile Greece’s government has come under severe criticism both by media and opposition parties. Most of them feel that first response of the firefighters to contain the initial fire was delayed and hence the fire spread rapidly and crisis worsened. The government also came under fire for not providing enough fire protection despite the previous worse wildfire episode in 2007 in which nearly 70 people had died.

The Prime Minister of Greece Kostas Karamanlis is monitoring the firefighting operation. The Greek air force has been pressed into service since yesterday. Yet fire seems to be spreading rapidly through pine trees and Athens has been covered with thick smoke. It is an emergency situation for the entire nation. Given the archeological importance of the heritage one of the most ancient nation is trying its best to keep fire and damage under control.

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Via Timesonline