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The fire near Rafina, some 55 km from Athens, on the night of 23 to 24 July 2018. REUTERS / Alkis Konstantinidis
At least seven people died on Monday, July 23, in the fires and at least 25 others were wounded, according to the emergency services and the AFP photographer. The fires continued to ravage the environs of Athens in the night. The government has activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism to request reinforcements from its partners.
Greece was ravaged by wildfires on Monday that have already left at least seven dead and dozens wounded, destroyed many homes and severely disrupted transport.
Late in the night, the authorities sought to evacuate the inhabitants of the coast between the localities of Mati and Rafina, where many of the victims have taken refuge on the beaches at the approach of the flames.
Military boats and port police were involved in these regroupment and evacuation operations, said Civil Defense Secretary General Yannis Kapakis.
AlexisTsipras shortened a trip to Mostar, Bosnia, to return to coordinate operations. The Prime Minister chaired a crisis meeting. " It's time to fight the flames, " he said after the meeting, adding, " The night will be difficult ."
The authorities triggered the European Civil Protection Mechanism to request reinforcements from its partners. Cyprus and Spain have already offered help.
The fires took place as a heatwave hit the country, with temperatures climbing to 40 degrees Celsius.
With agencies