Greece Storm Kills Two Tourists
Greece Battles Wildfires and Travel Chaos as Strong Winds Lash Islands
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Greece is grappling with a surge in wildfires and widespread travel disruption as powerful winds sweep across the country, impacting both mainland areas and popular tourist islands. The extreme weather has tragically claimed the lives of two Vietnamese tourists and left thousands of travellers stranded.
Deadly Incident and Ongoing Firefighting Efforts
A man and woman, identified as Vietnamese tourists travelling with a cruise ship group, died at Sarakiniko beach on the island of Milos in the Cyclades. According to a coastguard spokeswoman, the woman fell into the sea, and the man attempted to rescue her, both ultimately losing their lives.
Simultaneously occurring, firefighters are battling multiple blazes. A important fire near Keratea, southeast of Athens, is proving particularly challenging. Costas Tsigkas, head of the association of Greek firefighter officers, reported that over 200 firefighters, supported by 11 water bombers and seven helicopters, are working to contain the blaze. “It’s a arduous fire … (owing) to wind gusts,” he stated to ERT state television, adding that several communities have been evacuated. Dimitris Loukas, the local mayor, confirmed the fire front spans seven kilometres and poses a threat to homes, with strong winds hindering aerial firefighting efforts.
A separate fire on the island of Cephalonia was earlier brought under control by local officials. The national weather service, EMY, forecasts that wind speeds will begin to decrease after midnight.
Travel Disruption Leaves Thousands Stranded
The strong winds have caused significant disruption to ferry services, leaving thousands of summer travellers stranded at ports. Most ferries from Piraeus and other Athens ports, particularly those destined for the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands, are unable to depart on schedule, with numerous services cancelled or postponed.
At Piraeus, scenes of frustration unfolded as hundreds of passengers crowded around ferries bound for Paros and Naxos, anxiously awaiting updates. Long queues formed outside ticket offices, with travellers desperately attempting to rearrange their travel plans.
“Ther’s huge lines, huge commotion, everyone’s waiting in the sun and it’s a very tough time,” said Philip Elias, an american tourist caught up in the chaos.
Sergi Gros, a Spanish civil servant, described the difficulties he faced after his ferry to Astypalea was cancelled. He was forced to seek last-minute accomodation in Athens, potentially losing his original booking. “We arrived at 6.45 in the morning and they told us the ferry was cancelled,” gros told AFP, criticizing the “total lack of information.” He expressed frustration at the potential loss of his hotel booking, highlighting the impact on travellers who book well in advance. “they left us stranded,” he added.
Maritime connections to the Saronic islands (Aegina, Hydra, Poros, and Spetses) and the Ionian Sea remain unaffected, according to the coastguard.
Recurring Wildfire Risk in Greece
Strong winds are a common occurrence in Greece during the summer months, contributing to a heightened risk of wildfires. Firefighters have already responded to several major blazes this year,including those on the islands of Evia and Chios,and in the western Peloponnese. This latest outbreak underscores the ongoing challenges Greece faces in protecting it’s landscapes and communities from the increasing threat of wildfires, particularly during peak tourist season. The combination of high temperatures,dry conditions,and strong winds creates a volatile environment,demanding constant vigilance and robust firefighting capabilities.