A tragedy unfolded in Rhodes, Greece, when a Greek air force water-dropping plane crashed while attempting to extinguish a wildfire. The incident resulted in the unfortunate deaths of both pilots. The cause of the crash appears to be the plane’s wingtip getting caught in a tree branch, causing the aircraft to plummet and ignite upon impact.
The loss of the pilots has prompted Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to cancel his planned visit to Cyprus, and Greece’s armed forces have declared three days of mourning. This devastating event comes amidst a heatwave that has brought scorching temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) to the country, exacerbating the wildfire situation. The fires, fueled by strong winds, have been raging uncontrollably for days.
The exact origins of these wildfires remain unclear. However, the exceptionally dry conditions, combined with the intense summer heat, create a perfect recipe for fires to ignite and spread rapidly if not swiftly contained. In recent days, there have been reports of individuals accidentally starting fires, leading to arrests and fines across Greece.
Tragically, wildfires have also ravaged other Mediterranean countries, resulting in the loss of at least 34 lives in Algeria. European Union officials attribute the increasing frequency and severity of these wildfires to climate change, citing 2022 as the second-worst year for wildfire damage ever recorded, following 2017.
Reports from the Greek fire service indicate that the most severe blazes on Tuesday were occurring on the popular tourist destinations of Rhodes and Corfu. However, there were numerous reports of fires reigniting in other areas, requiring continuous efforts to combat them. Evacuation orders were issued for several villages on Rhodes and Corfu, as well as on the island of Evia.
Desperate residents on Rhodes used any means necessary, including shovels, to protect their homes from the encroaching flames. Firefighting planes and helicopters resumed water drops at first light, joining the tireless efforts of over 20,000 people involved in successive evacuations on the island. In a show of solidarity, the European Union has dispatched 500 firefighters, 100 vehicles, and seven planes from 10 member states to assist with the firefighting efforts. Additional aid has arrived from countries such as Turkey, Israel, and Egypt.
The situation is not much better in Italy, where they are simultaneously battling their own fires and extreme weather. In Sicily, flames threatened Palermo’s international airport, leading to a temporary shutdown. However, in Lombardy, a powerful storm caused flooding and power outages, tragically claiming the life of a young girl at a scouts’ camp.
In Turkey, authorities took precautionary measures by evacuating homes and a hospital in Kemer, near the Mediterranean resort, due to a raging wildfire in the nearby rugged forest area. Another wildfire in Manisa was successfully brought under control after it spread to a small village, damaging 14 homes. Thankfully, residents had been evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
Back in Athens, measures to cope with the extreme heat included resuming afternoon closing hours at the ancient Acropolis. This decision aimed to protect visitors from the scorching temperatures.
The devastating impact of wildfires and extreme weather events serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change. The European Union, private foundations, and organizations like the Associated Press are actively supporting initiatives to combat climate issues and raise awareness about their consequences.
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