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Detention of North Macedonian officials/Berisha, accusations against Rama and Lamallari

The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, in a pre...

The situation aggravated by the fires in Greece

2023-08-27 15:46:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

More than 600 firefighters, including reinforcements from several European countries, supported by a fleet of jets and water-dropping helicopters, were battling three major fires in Greece on Sunday, two of which have been burning for days.

A massive fire in the country's northeastern regions of Evros and Alexandroupolis, believed to be responsible for 20 of the 21 fire-related deaths in Greece, continues to burn for a ninth straight day.

The fires have destroyed large areas of forest and burned houses in the suburbs of the city of Alexandroupolis.

In a statement on Sunday, the European Union's Emergency Management Service Copernicus said the fires had burned 77,000 hectares of land and that 120 spots remained active. 'Copernicus' uses satellite imagery to provide data.

Pope Francis, addressing the public in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican on Sunday, prayed for the victims of the fires in Greece.

On the northwestern outskirts of the Greek capital, another huge fire has been burning for days, destroying houses and burning the national park on Mount Parnitha, one of the last green areas near Athens. The fire department said 260 firefighters, one plane and three helicopters are continuing efforts to bring the situation under control.

A third major fire broke out on Saturday on the island of Andros. The situation continues to be out of control and 73 firefighters, two planes and two helicopters were still trying to put it out today. The fire is believed to have been caused by lightning.

Due to the difficult situation on the ground, Greek forces have asked for help from other European countries. Germany, Sweden, Croatia and Cyprus have sent planes, while dozens of Romanian, French, Czech, Bulgarian, Albanian, Slovak and Serbian firefighters are helping the Greek authorities./VOA