First Alert: Relief Team en route to Greece amidst wildfires
World Central Kitchen’s Relief Team is on its way to Athens, Greece to assess food and water needs as wildfires continue to spread northeast of the city. We are working with local partners to determine how best to support residents affected by the fires and emergency personnel battling the flames.
The fires started Sunday north of Athens in the town of Varnavas. Hundreds of firefighters and dozens of aerial water-bombers are battling the blaze that continues to burn uncontrolled. Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister, Vassilis Kikilias issued a statement Monday saying the dangerous challenges are, “due to the strong winds, prolonged drought, and the very difficult and rugged terrain of dense, unburned forest.”
Thousands have left their homes amid evacuation orders for surrounding areas. A children’s hospital, a children’s home, two monasteries, and a military hospital were also evacuated Monday. Much of the area is without power due to electricity cuts. Additional firefighting support is on its way from the international community.
This is WCK’s third time responding to wildfires in Greece. In August 2023 WCK provided thousands of meals to communities impacted by the fires in Rhodes, Evia, Corfu, and Volos. Our teams were hiking on mountain trails and using all-terrain vehicles to ensure that fire-impacted communities and first responders received nourishing meals and refreshing drinks. In 2021, we provided thousands of meals to families in Evia—located just north of Athens—as heatwave-fueled fires devastated communities in the region.
Wildfires are not uncommon in Greece during the summer months but local experts are citing climate change as a factor in the increased intensity of recent fires. June and July 2024 were the hottest on record in Greece.
This remains a quickly evolving situation. You can sign up to our newsletter to receive more information and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for real time updates.
