A man died in the village of Ippokratios Politia, near Athens, after being hit by a light pole uprooted by one of the violent fires that are devastating areas north of Greece's capital, the Greek health ministry announced. He is the first victim of this wave of fires raging in Greece, fueled by scorching temperatures.
Across the country, 16 people who reported minor burns and respiratory distress were hospitalised on Thursday and Friday following violent fires raging in various areas for days, getting closer to Athens. "A dozen people were hospitalised with respiratory problems near the health centre of Istria on the island of Euboea, including two firefighters", said Greek Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias. Another firefighter and five residents were also hospitalised on Thursday night after reporting light burns in fires that hit some villages north of Athens.
"Our country is dealing with an extremely critical situation", said last night Greek Premier Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
