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This bulletin is being issued for information only and reflects the current situation and details available at this time.
The situation
Since Monday, 23 July 2018, Greece has been experiencing a number of wildfires in forests and villages across the country, with 14 fire outbreaks on three fronts as of Tuesday noon. 1 According to the General Secretary of Civil Protection, the fires constituted a worst-case scenario due to (1) the high-density forest in the affected areas, (2) strong winds, and (3) high temperatures. On Monday evening, a state of emergency was declared, and assistance from the EU was requested.
The two major outbreaks happened in the wider region of Attica. The first fire started on Monday in the Gerania mountains in the west of Attica, in the settlement of Kineta. Dense pine forest has been burnt and flames have also reached house yards in several other nearby settlements. A few hours afterwards, fires started to break out in the region of Rafina. The village of Mati has been the most affected, and has burnt down almost completely. Fires also broke out in several areas of northern Greece, and on some islands including Crete, however further away from residential areas with no casualties reported. As of Tuesday morning, fires continue around Attica and on Crete. Extinguishing the fire is very difficult due to the strong winds, and the extreme difficulty of access to the areas.
As of 24 June, the death toll has reached approximately 49 people, after 26 persons were found dead close to the seaside by Red Cross Samaritans, as communicated by the president of the Hellenic Red Cross. This number has been confirmed by the fire brigades. More than 150 have been reported to be injured; and many remain in critical condition. 700 people have been rescued through the sea by the coast guard and the navy, after being forced to flee to beaches to escape the flames.34 Residents in the coastal region west of Attica were requested to abandon their homes, and hundreds of people have been evacuated. Temporary shelter is provided by the municipality.
The government has mobilised all emergency resources, including fire service vehicles and firefighters, with aircraft and helicopters contributing to the firefighting efforts. 5 Spain and Cyprus have offered assistance.
Based on the initial assessment of the HRC, many people are in need of first aid, psychological support and primary health care. Chronic patients need medical attention. There is also need for a doctor to do medical triage and referral of patients who arrive at the first aid station. According to doctors providing volunteer service in the field, some people, especially elderly require primary health care services. Until the fire is put out, first aid will be needed on all fronts – including for the firefighters and volunteers operating in the field and for the people affected by the fire.
People affected by the fires, especially those who have lost relatives or property are in great need of support. Red Cross volunteers who found the dead bodies will require psychosocial support (PSS) as well. A few missing people have been reported, and there is a need for restoring family links (RFL) services. People who have suffered damage to their property or have lost their homes need cash assistance to meet basic needs in the next few days. Cash assistance is also being considered to meet longer-term recovery needs, including those of people who have lost their primary accommodation.