Wildfires rage across Crete and Greek islands amid hurricane-force winds of 108 km/h

Published Jul 31, 12:53 PM UTC

Severe wildfires are sweeping across Crete, Greece, during peak tourist season, fueled by hurricane-force winds reaching 108 km/h. The main blaze, which started near Kria Vrisi on July 29, has spread over a 15-kilometer front, killing two firefighters and forcing the evacuation of over 80 tourists from Preveli Beach. Fires are also burning on the island of Paros and in the Peloponnese region. Strong winds have grounded firefighting aircraft, hampering efforts by exhausted ground crews. Critics accuse the Greek government under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of over-relying on aerial firefighting, which is ineffective in such conditions. Authorities warn the risk of new fires and re-ignitions remains 'very high,' with the mayor of Aghia Galini stating the situation is 'still out of control.'

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