FX.co ★ Forest fires rage across Greece

The fire arose 55 km from Athens on July, 23. Because of the strong wind, the fire quickly spread to the coastal settlements between Athens and Corinth. It is still unknown what caused the fire.

On July 25, the country's Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announced a three-day mourning in memory of those who died. "The country is experiencing an indescribable tragedy. Today Greece is in mourning," Tsipras said.

The village of Mati in the Rafina region, which is popular with tourists, suffered the most. The resort has practically ceased to exist.

As a result of the disaster, at least 187 people were injured, among them 23 children.

Hundreds of firefighters in Greece are trying to stop fires. Croatia, Spain, and Italy sent their planes of fire aviation. Cyprus sent firefighters.

The most difficult situation is observed in the Kineta area, in the west of Attica. The national highway Athens-Corinth is closed.

Many fled from their homes in shallow water, trying to escape the fire. Pets also run to the coast.

Strong fires are also seen in the east of the capital region in the area of Mati, Kallitekhnupoli, Rafina, and Dau Pantelis. The ships of the naval forces of Greece were involved in the evacuation of people. They evacuated more than 760 people.

A strong wind hinders struggling with a fire. The wind strength reaches 100 km/h.

Forest fires, raging in Greece, have been dubbed the strongest in the last ten years. Such large-scale fires in Greece occurred in 2007, when almost 3 thousand square kilometers burned in the Peloponnese, in Attica and other regions of the country.

To support the victims, the Greek authorities will send 20 million euros from the state investment program.