Greece Braces for Second Heatwave as Wildfires Ravage Coastal Towns

Two large wildfires, fanned by strong winds, have burned uncontrolled through two towns near Athens, causing widespread damage and forcing evacuations.

At least five houses have been severely damaged in the fire, which also tore through the seaside residential area of Lagonisi, a popular summer resort.

Evacuation orders have been issued for at least six seaside communities as the wildfires edged closer to summer resort towns and gusts of wind hit 45mph (70kph).

The fires are believed to have started near the village of Kouvaras, about 17 miles (27km) southeast of Athens, and in the wider area of Loutraki, west of Athens and near to the ancient city of Corinth.

More than 1,200 children in a summer camp and the residents of a rehabilitation centre have also been evacuated due to the wildfire burning in Loutraki.

Firefighters, assisted by aircraft, helicopters, and soldiers from the Greek army, have been involved in battling the blaze.

The heatwave is forecast to intensify in the next two days and could last into August, the World Meteorological Organisation has said.

The new anticyclone, named Charon, after the Greek mythological boatman who ferries souls to the underworld, is behind the heatwave.

Wildfires are common in Greece in summer, but they can still be deadly.

A wildfire in Mati, east of Athens in 2018, killed 101 people and highlighted the dangers of such disasters.

The country is also in the midst of two intense heatwaves, which have caused concern among officials due to the dry winter, creating tinderbox conditions in Greece.

The Greek meteorological service has warned of a high risk of fire this week, as the second heatwave is set to be felt in most areas of the country.

Temperatures are expected to reach record highs, with minimum temperatures reaching up to 43C (109F) on the mainland, 41C It has been a challenging start to the summer, with a string of fires breaking out in various regions.

The situation is only set to worsen as the climate crisis continues to take its toll.

"We've had, we have and will have fires, which is also one of the results of the climate crisis that we experience with increased intensity," said a spokesperson.

The fires have caused significant damage and loss of life, highlighting the urgent need for action to address the crisis.