Fierce forest fires on the Greek island of Peloponnese continue to claim lives, as they run out of control. Gruesome stories are emerging from the island, where for instance, people burned to death as they were stuck in a traffic jam, resulting from a collision between a fire engine and a car. Burned-out houses are found behind the fire front, containing burned bodies.
Two hundred fires are reportedly raging there, with 70 new ones starting just today. Forty-six people are confirmed dead, with an unknown number trapped, surrounded by fire. The dense smoke reaches as far as Athens, 330 km (210 miles) to the northeast, blown on by strong winds. High temperatures and dry conditions have fuelled the fires, which are spreading rapidly on the wind. Arson is also reported.
Several European countries are sending firefighting aircraft. A state of emergency has been declared, campaigning for the general election has been called off and the poll itself is likely to be postponed.
A more detailed report can be accessed here; the imagery is graphic.
WOW!!! I hadn't heard about this yet.... VERY sad!!!
ReplyDeleteJoann
What a terrible thing to happen to this country. I can't even imagine what that might be like. Hopefully it has been put under control or will be soon. Joni
ReplyDeleteoh my gosh! That's terrible! It's not a huge country to begin with...hopefully they contain the fire quickly... :-/
ReplyDelete~Amy
It is really awful isn't it. It makes me ashamed when I think how often I complain about our wet damp weather. We should be counting our blessings instead. Loved the latest evening/night photo's Love Sybil
ReplyDeleteI don''t feel that I want to go and read your follow up Guido. It is too upsetting reading this report of yours. How horrifying to think of your worst nightmare chasing you in flames and roasting you alive. I can't make myself imagine any more as its too scary!
ReplyDeleteHow horrifying for those involved.
Jeanie
Wow, those are terrible fires....
ReplyDeletetake care...
Joyce