Greece: Wildfires Information bulletin No. 2 (25 July 2018)

This bulletin is being issued for information only and reflects the current situation and details available at this time.

The situation

Following the previous update of the disastrous fires that have been raging since 23 July, the latest official figures are as follows:the number of deaths has risen, and the number now stands at 81. Adults injured are 164, of whom 71 remain hospitalised and 10 are intubated. 23 children have required medical care and 11 of them have been hospitalised with minor injuries.

The search for missing persons is being carried out by foot patrols, consisting of 130 officers of the armed forces and fire department, in the areas of Neos Voutzas, Mati and Rafina. So far, numerous calls have been made to the fire brigades for missing persons' records. Since the process of identification of the bodies is in progress, some missing persons might be among the bodies that have not yet been identified, as well as among those who have returned to their relatives without informing the competent authorities.

The following major fires that are still active:

1. In the area of Air in the Gerania Mountains, the fire is spreading in the mountain. Its extinguishment is being carried out by 284 firefighters with 114 vehicles and on foot, 13 vehicles of local authorities, 10 tank trucks and 5 project machines. 6 helicopters and 4 aircraft are providing support from the air.

2. In the Kallitechnoupoli area of Rafina - Pikermi in Attica, there are 286 firefighters with 96 vehicles, 12 volunteer fire trucks with 25 volunteers, and 1 helicopter. 　

Based on a damage assessment2 that Infrastructure Ministry engineers began recording on 24 July, in East Attica, 234 houses are partly damaged, and 211 are completely destroyed by the fires. In Western Attica, so far 139 houses have been identified to be severely affected. The assessment will continue until the end of the week. 　

The government announced that support would be provided to the victims, to address the immediate needs of affected municipalities and their citizens. The municipalities of Rafina and Nea Makri are registering people with the social services. These municipalities have also organised points for collecting relief donations (food, water, diapers, etc.), and are distributing those items to affected people. NGOs are supporting through bringing food and water, providing medical and psychosocial support (PSS) services, and supporting the Health Centre of Rafina and Nea Makri. A shelter referral point has been set up for the affected populations of Nea Makri borough. 　

Rafina municipality is referring affected people to the St. Andrew Recreational Camp, which is being used as a temporary shelter, with a capacity of 400 persons, although only 55 persons registered earlier on 25 July. 　

The shelter in Rafina sports hall is now closed.