Mass Evacuations Across Greece, Turkey Amid Record Wildfires

A severe heatwave in southern Europe has exacerbated wildfires across Turkey, Greece, and neighboring Balkan countries, leading to widespread evacuations and significant damage. In Greece, more than 50 wildfires, fueled by dry conditions, high winds, and extreme temperatures reaching up to 44°C, have prompted evacuations in Athens suburbs such as Kryoneri and Drosopigi, displacing thousands and causing injuries mainly from smoke inhalation and burns. Greek authorities have mobilized over 300 firefighters with numerous fire engines, planes, and helicopters, and have requested additional support from the European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism. The fires have also spread to key Greek islands including Crete, Euboea, and Kythera, severely impacting local communities and tourism during peak season. In Turkey, entire villages and resort towns along the southern coast have been devastated, with firefighting efforts challenged by the scale of the blazes and extreme weather. The crisis has prompted increased emergency alert systems for residents and tourists, while raising broader concerns about climate change's role in escalating wildfire frequency and intensity across the region.