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Deadly Fires in Salamina and Belgium Highlight Europe's Extreme Weather Crisis
🇬🇷 Greece /Disasters & Emergencies

Deadly Fires in Salamina and Belgium Highlight Europe's Extreme Weather Crisis

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • Two people died in Salamina, Greece, due to wildfires that forced hundreds of residents to evacuate.
  • A large wildfire in Belgium's High Fens nature park has destroyed 3,000 hectares and forced the evacuation of about 600 residents.
  • Europe is experiencing a new wave of extreme weather, with heatwaves fueling fires across the continent.

Wildfires in Salamina, Greece, and Belgium have resulted in fatalities and extensive destruction, as Europe grapples with a new wave of extreme weather and large-scale fires. In Salamina, two individuals were found dead near Peristeria beach after two fire outbreaks on the island. Hundreds of residents were ordered to evacuate as the fire approached their homes.

Meanwhile, a significant wildfire in Belgium's High Fens nature park, a popular hiking destination, has already destroyed 3,000 hectares. The fire, which began Friday, spread towards the German border, prompting the evacuation of approximately 600 residents from the municipalities of Waimes and Bütgenbach in the Liège province. Tourists were also advised to leave the area.

Over 250 firefighters and rescuers, including personnel from Germany, are involved in the Belgian operation. Aerial support from two Swedish planes and four helicopters from Belgium and the Netherlands is crucial due to the difficult terrain. Access to Lake Bütgenbach was restricted to allow aircraft to refuel.

On the third day of battling the flames, all forces remain mobilized on the ground.

— Bernard QuintinBelgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin's statement on the ongoing firefighting efforts in Belgium.

Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin described the conditions as very difficult, though two fronts towards Jalhay and Monschau were brought under control. He thanked all involved and highlighted European solidarity, stating, "United, we are stronger." This fire is considered the largest in Belgium's modern history, occurring in an area previously affected by major fires in 1911.

The article links these events to anthropogenic climate change, which is intensifying extreme weather globally, leading to more frequent and deadly disasters. Much of Europe is currently experiencing a heatwave that favors the outbreak of fires. A separate incident in Croatia on Friday resulted in one death, 40 injuries, and the evacuation of 1,200 people from a resort.

We can also count on the solidarity of our European partners... United, we are stronger.

— Bernard QuintinBelgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin's comment on international cooperation in combating the wildfire.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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