Lycabettus Hill Closed Due to Fire Risk

The news in Greek

1. κλείνω
   αλλάζω τη κατάσταση ενός αντικειμένου ώστε να μην είναι ανοικτό. ↩︎
2. κίνδυνος  (m.)
   η πιθανότητα να συμβεί κάτι κακό ή βλαβερό. ↩︎
3. υπηρεσία  (f.)
   δράσεις ή έργα που προσφέρονται για να καλύψουν ανάγκες. ↩︎
4. καύσωνας  (m.)
   πολύ υψηλή θερμοκρασία που επηρεάζει τον καιρό. ↩︎
5. επείγων
   αυτό που χρειάζεται άμεση αντιμετώπιση. ↩︎
6. άστεγος
   άνθρωπος που δεν έχει μόνιμη κατοικία. ↩︎

Translation

Text comprehension

Question 1: Why is Lycabettus Hill closed?

Question 2: What service does the municipality provide for the homeless during the heatwave?

Vocabulary

Greek	English
κλείνω	close
κίνδυνος  (m.)	danger
υπηρεσία  (f.)	service
καύσωνας  (m.)	heatwave
επείγων	urgent
άστεγος	homeless

Read the full story

The hill of Lycabettus in Athens, Greece, has been closed indefinitely from midnight on 25th July due to a high risk of wildfires exacerbated by strong winds. This move, announced by the Municipality of Athens, arises as part of measures to manage conditions classified under category five—extremely high risk—of the fire risk index.

The municipal services are on elevated alert in response to the ongoing heatwave. To support the public, seven Friendship Clubs remain open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., providing air-conditioned spaces for relief from the heat. Contact numbers for each club have been provided for citizens seeking respite or assistance.

Residents, particularly those in vulnerable groups, are urged to use the 24-hour municipal service lines for any emergencies or health advice related to the extreme temperatures. Additional medical guidance is available through the “Heatwave Hotline” managed by the municipal health centres, operating every day from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

In preparation for potential emergencies, the municipality has mobilised teams from the departments of Sanitation and Greenery. The Municipal Police are carrying out increased patrols, complemented by the deployment of drones to monitor areas prone to fires. A thermal camera survey monitors central green spaces for temperature changes. Water trucks stand ready, and the Municipal Police’s operation centre is active around-the-clock to assist fire services as needed.

To aid the homeless and other affected individuals, Streetwork teams from the City of Athens Reception and Solidarity Centre are distributing water, refreshments, snacks, and emergency kits from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. They also support Friendship Clubs and shelter facilities with essential supplies.

The city has installed over 100 new drinking stations across neighbourhoods to hydrate stray animals, inviting public cooperation to keep these filled with fresh water. Guidelines for animal care during the heat are shared through social media channels of the city’s Urban Animal Department. The Municipal Veterinary Clinic also remains open during specific hours for assistance.

In light of the extreme heat, citizens and businesses are asked not to dispose of waste between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. to maintain public hygiene and prevent operational disruptions. The authorities emphasize community cooperation to safeguard public health and support workers during these periods of intense weather.

Residents are advised to stay vigilant and report any danger signs using the 24-hour contact numbers provided by the municipality.

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