Wildfire rages on Greek island of Evia for second day

30/7/2024 18:57

        More than 200 firefighters backed up by helicopters and water-carrying planes battled a wildfire on Greece's second-biggest island of Evia for a second day on Tuesday as authorities ordered the evacuation of two villages.
        
        The fire broke out near the village of Petries in the centre of the island at about 3 p.m. (1200 GMT) on Monday and strong winds fuelled its spread.
        
        While the situation had slightly improved on Tuesday, flare ups remain a risk due to the windy conditions, a fire service spokesperson said.
        
        Thirteen aircraft and six helicopters were at the scene on Tuesday about 60 km (37 miles) northeast of the capital, Athens. A coastguard vessel was on standby overnight for possible evacuations by sea.