Firefighters battle fierce flames close to Athens, Greece

In recent weeks, both Greece and Turkey have been battling wildfires that have caused destruction and loss of life. The region around Athens, Greece, has experienced a prolonged dry spell with barely any rain in months, creating ideal conditions for the fires to spread.

Last Friday, a wildfire broke out near Greece's capital Athens in Keratea, a rural area some 43 kilometers southeast of Athens. The fire has weakened but still poses a threat, according to the fire department spokesman, with active pockets remaining. Tragically, the wildfire has already resulted in the death of one person, and two others died due to being caught in gale-force winds.

Meanwhile, in Turkey, the fire department has been fighting numerous blazes. Hundreds of people were evacuated from areas close to the wildfires in the northwestern province of Canakkale. Last month was the hottest July in Turkey in 55 years, according to the environment ministry, with the highest-ever recorded temperature of 50.5 degrees Celsius (123 degrees Fahrenheit) being recorded in Silopi in southeastern Turkey.

Scientists attribute the increased destructiveness of wildfires in recent years to climate change. Forecasters in Greece and Turkey predict that the risk of wildfires will remain high until October.

The fires have caused significant damage, with several homes, farmlands, and olive orchards being destroyed in Keratea. The Dardanelles Strait, a waterway linking the Aegean Sea with the Sea of Marmara in Turkey, was temporarily shut due to wildfires.

Investigations have revealed that the fires around Athens were caused by multiple factors. A fire in southeast Athens was triggered by a defective power cable, with two technicians arrested for improper maintenance. In another locality near Athens, the mayor suspected arson after finding a gas bottle and reports of a suspicious person on a motorcycle.

There are calls for Mediterranean nations to expand cross-border firefighting collaboration, including shared rapid response teams, water-dropping planes, and helicopters. Additionally, there are calls for authorities to invest in artificial intelligence and satellite monitoring to spot fires before they spread.

As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, these wildfires serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action.