Thousands have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses in Athens as Greece launches an urgent appeal to the EU for emergency support amid catastrophic wildfires.
The blaze started on Sunday in Varnavas, north of Athens , and is spreading rapidly through towns and villages, leaving a path of destruction as houses are destroyed and strong winds fuel the flames, with thick smoke billowing across the Greek capital.
EU nations have sent helicopters, firefighters and water tankers to aid firefighting efforts in Greece. Picture: AP Photo/Michael Varaklas Following a call from Greece requesting assistance, France dispatched 200 firefighters, 28 water tankers, and a helicopter, while Italy sent two planes and the Czech Republic provided 75 firefighters and 25 vehicles.
"The EU is sending support from its rescue fleet: two planes from Italy and a helicopter from France," Ms von der Leyen said. "This is EU Solidarity in action."
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Greece orders evacuations near Athens as wildfires rageUnprecedented summer temperatures after the warmest winter ever have turned terrain into a tinderbox, environmentalists say
Read more »
A wildfire near Greece's capital darkens the skies over Athens and advances fastA wildfire burned northeast of Athens, darkening the sky as the smell of smoke and soot pervaded the Greek capital.
Read more »
Prince Michael of Greece, cousin to Prince Phillip, dies aged 85 in Athens hospitalPrince Michael of Greece and Denmark, an accomplished historian and first cousin to Prince Philip, has died at the age of 85.
Read more »
Record rainfall sees thousands evacuated in northern Japan as flooding kills two people and displaces thousandsParts of northern Japan received nearly 400mm of rain, with 200,000 people on alert for more rain in coming days.
Read more »
Greek officials advise staying in with windows shut due to fires near AthensWhole neighbourhoods are being evacuated from nearby the capital as firefighters mount huge effort to put out blazes
Read more »
Wildfire with flames as high as 25 metres rages near AthensGreece is on fire watch as high temperatures and dangerous weather conditions fan a dangerous wildfire near the capital.
Read more »