in-cyprus 13 August 2024
Firefighters, aided by volunteers, are engaged in an arduous battle against the blaze in Attica, which initially ignited in Varnavas.
According to the Fire Service, the situation has improved, with no unified fire front currently present.
While winds have weakened compared to yesterday, responders are confronting numerous scattered active fire hotspots across Varnavas, Marathonas, Nea Makri, Ano Souli, and Penteli, and they remain vigilant against constant flare-ups.
Two messages were sent via the 112 emergency service for the residents of Marathonas. The first, before midnight, instructed residents in the Vrana Marathona area to evacuate towards Nea Makri. The second message, sent after midnight, was a general alert, advising residents of Marathonas to remain prepared due to the ongoing forest fire threat.
In a separate development, firefighters discovered a charred body within a burned-out commercial building last night in Patima Chalandriou, on Stratonikis Street. It is believed to be that of a 60-year-old woman who was unable to escape the workshop premises before the fire engulfed it.
The fire has left a trail of devastation in its wake, including at least a hundred homes, businesses, farms, livestock facilities, factories, schools, indoor arenas, and cars that have been consumed by the flames. As day breaks, authorities will commence the daunting task of assessing the full extent of the destruction.
The environmental toll of the fire is immense, with approximately 100,000 acres of land having been scorched as of the early hours of Tuesday morning.
During the valiant efforts to combat the fire in northeastern Attica on Sunday and Monday, a total of five firefighters sustained minor injuries. Two of them were transferred to the 251 GNA hospital for further evaluation and care.
(philenews with information from in.gr)
