The crash occurred on the island of Evia, and was aired in a state tv broadcast that confirmed the low-flying plane disappearing right into a canyon earlier than a fireball was seen moments later.
The most recent evacuations orders have been issued on the islands of Corfu and Evia, whereas a blaze on the island of Rhodes continued to maneuver inland, torching mountainous forest areas, together with a part of a nature reserve.
Determined residents, many with moist towels round their necks to stave off the scorching warmth, used shovels to beat again flames approaching their properties, whereas firefighting planes and helicopters resumed water drops at first gentle.
Authorities stated greater than 20,000 individuals has been concerned in successive evacuations on the island, largely vacationers over the weekend, when hearth swept by two coastal areas on the southeast of Rhodes.
The European Union has despatched 500 firefighters, 100 autos and 7 planes from 10 member states, whereas Turkey, Israel, Egypt and different international locations have additionally despatched assist.
“For the twelfth day, below excessive circumstances of warmth and powerful winds, we’re combating nonstop on dozens of forest hearth fronts … The Greek Fireplace Service has battled greater than 500 fires — greater than 50 a day,” Local weather Disaster and Civil Safety Minister Vassilis Kikilias stated.
In Athens, authorities resumed afternoon closing hours on the historic Acropolis, as a part of broader measures to deal with the excessive warmth.
EU officers have blamed local weather change for the growing frequency and depth of wildfires throughout the European continent, noting that 2022 was the second-worst yr for wildfire harm on document after 2017.
1000’s flee as Greece burns in scorching summer season
