Hellenic Red Cross: On the front lines of wildfires – Appeal for aid to fire victims
Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The Hellenic Red Cross is actively involved in combating major wildfires across Greece.
- Volunteers and medical staff are providing first aid, essential supplies, and assistance to residents and firefighters.
- The organization is appealing for donations of non-perishable food and medical supplies to aid those affected by the fires.
The Hellenic Red Cross (Ε.Ε.Σ.) is on the front lines of Greece's devastating wildfires, deploying volunteers, rescue workers, medical personnel, and mobile health units. These teams are working alongside firefighting forces to provide critical support in affected areas. Their efforts include administering first aid, offering medical assistance, and distributing essential supplies to both residents and firefighters battling the blazes.
Teams from the Hellenic Red Cross are operating in multiple fire hotspots, including Porto Germeno, Nerantziés Aigialeias, Domvraina, Xiromeri in Boeotia, and Kompoti in Arta. They remain on constant operational standby, ready to assist with the safe evacuation of civilians from endangered zones and to care for animals at risk. The organization emphasizes the need for immediate humanitarian support for the fire victims.
To address the growing needs, the Hellenic Red Cross has issued an urgent appeal for donations. They are specifically requesting long-lasting food items such as flour, pasta, legumes, evaporated milk, milk powder for children, and various canned goods, as well as cereals and rusks. Essential medical supplies like sterile gauze, lubricating eye drops, and saline solution for the eyes are also urgently needed. Collection points are established at the organization's central offices in Kolonaki, Athens, with specific operating hours for donations.
The Red Cross also urges residents in fire-affected areas to not leave pets or domestic animals tied up or locked inside during evacuation orders, highlighting the importance of animal welfare amidst the crisis. The organization stresses that collective solidarity can make a significant difference in supporting those enduring these destructive fires.
The solidarity of all of us can make a difference.
Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.