Greek authorities fighting multiple wildfires following extreme heatwave

Greece is battling numerous wildfires as a weeklong heatwave has reached temperatures surpassing 45 degrees Celsius.

One of them has engulfed a northern suburb of Athens, including the town of Kryoneri, located 20 km from the capital, Caliber.Az reports citing Greek media.

According to the local fire services, the flames are spreading due to extreme heat, dryness, and strong winds with weather conditions are making the firefighting efforts more difficult. 

At least five people have been injured, mostly elderly individuals with respiratory issues.

Greece has requested assistance from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, including six firefighting planes. Fires are also raging in the islands of Crete, Evia, Kythira, and the southwestern mainland. A total of 52 fire outbreaks were recorded in the past 24 hours.

By Nazrin Sadigova