Greek Wildfires Destroy 100 Homes as Strong Winds Ground Firefighting Aircraft

Wildfires raging in Greece have devastated the coastal community of Porto Germeno, located about 60 kilometers west of Athens. By Saturday, an estimated 100 houses in the town, situated on the northeastern coast of the Gulf of Corinth, had been destroyed, according to the deputy mayor of the surrounding Mandra municipality.

Firefighting efforts are severely hampered by strong winds, which have grounded all aerial support. "Due to the strong winds, no firefighting aircraft can be deployed at all right now. We hope the wind subsides. There is no other option," stated the deputy mayor.

Residents of evacuated areas have been warned against returning home due to the thick smoke and the significant risk of the fires reigniting. "There is too much smoke. I ask citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, the danger of reignition is high. Human lives take priority," he appealed.

Satellite imagery indicates the affected area remains extensive, measuring approximately six by six kilometers. A fire department spokesperson described the situation as a "difficult day for disaster management and the fire department," noting that the country is currently at the highest wildfire warning level (Category 5). Homes, livestock shelters, and rural estates have been reported destroyed, with the fire burning on three fronts in Porto Germeno.