Fires Rage Across Greece: Emergency Evacuations Underway

The news in Greek

1. αντιμετωπίζω
   έρχομαι αντιμέτωπος με κάτι ↩︎
2. πυρκαγιά  (f.)
   μεγάλη φωτιά που μπορεί να καταστρέψει ↩︎
3. εκκένωση  (f.)
   η διαδικασία απομάκρυνσης ατόμων από έναν επικίνδυνο τόπο ↩︎
4. μεταφέρομαι
   κινούμαι από ένα μέρος σε άλλο ↩︎
5. καταστροφή  (f.)
   μεγάλη ζημιά ή η ολική καταστροφή ενός πράγματος ↩︎
6. κατάσταση  (f.)
   το σύνολο των συνθηκών ενός περιβάλλοντος ↩︎

Translation

Text comprehension

Question 1: Which areas in Greece are mentioned as being affected by the fires?

Question 2: What challenges are firefighters facing while trying to extinguish the fires?

Vocabulary

Greek	English
αντιμετωπίζω	confront
πυρκαγιά  (f.)	fire
εκκένωση  (f.)	evacuation
μεταφέρομαι	be transported
καταστροφή  (f.)	disasters
κατάσταση  (f.)	condition

Read the full story

Greece is currently battling devastating wildfires that have erupted across multiple regions, including the islands of Zakynthos, Chios, and areas in the western mainland such as Achaia and Preveza. The blazes have caused widespread destruction and prompted emergency responses from authorities.

In the Achaia region, particularly around the town of Kato Achaia, fires have ravaged a swath exceeding 20 kilometres, leading to a mass evacuation. Residents have been urged to relocate towards the town of Pyrgos as emergency services struggle to contain the fast-spreading inferno. Around 80 police officers and 35 vehicles are actively assisting in the evacuation efforts, ensuring the safe departure of approximately 7,500 residents.

The situation is similarly dire on the island of Chios, where a large fire near New Potamia has forced the evacuation of numerous villages. Local authorities have described the scenario as critical, with extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. Efforts to rescue individuals have involved the deployment of Greek Coast Guard vessels to evacuate those trapped by the flames.

Over in Preveza, in the villages of the Ziros municipality, authorities have alerted residents to remain prepared for evacuation as fires bear down on the area. The local government has set up shelters in schools to accommodate evacuees. Reports indicate the fires were exacerbated by strong winds and high temperatures, complicating firefighting efforts.

Zakynthos faces its own challenges, with fires reported near Lithakia, threatening nearby villages. The difficult terrain and persistent winds have made it extremely challenging for firefighting teams to gain control.

Overall, these fires present a national crisis, with firefighting resources strained to their limits. The Greek Fire Service, supported by local and regional authorities, continues to work tirelessly to protect lives and properties, although damage has already been extensive. Coordination with European partners has been sought to bolster aerial firefighting capacities as authorities remain on high alert for further outbreaks.

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