Fri 04 July 2025:
Authorities on Friday declared a state of emergency in parts of the municipality of Ierapetra following a devastating wildfire in eastern Crete that has since been brought largely under control, local media reported on Friday.
Erupting Wednesday near Ierapetra amid dry, windy conditions, the fire has burned down thousands of acres of farmland and forest on the southern coast of Greece’s largest island.
It severely damaged infrastructure, including water-supply networks, and prompted evacuations of over 1,000 residents and tourists, according to the daily To Vima.
The emergency status, which will remain in effect until Oct. 2, aims to support the response to the crisis and aid recovery efforts, the report added.
The daily noted that an arson investigation team arrived in Crete on Thursday to determine the cause of the fire as the blaze’s swift spread and multiple fronts have raised suspicions of deliberate ignition.
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A heatwave in Europe refers to a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, often with high humidity, that exceeds normal seasonal temperatures. Typically, temperatures soar above 30°C (86°F) for several days, sometimes reaching 40°C (104°F) or more in southern regions.
These events are driven by high-pressure systems trapping warm air, often from the Sahara, and can be exacerbated by climate change, which increases their frequency and intensity.Heatwaves strain infrastructure, overload power grids due to air conditioning demands, and disrupt agriculture, causing crop failures. Health risks are significant, especially for the elderly and vulnerable, with heatstroke and dehydration cases spiking.
For example, the 2003 heatwave killed over 70,000 people, mostly in France. Wildfires also become more common, devastating ecosystems.Governments issue heat warnings, set up cooling centers, and advise hydration. Urban areas, like Paris or Madrid, feel the heat more due to the urban heat island effect. Climate models predict more frequent and severe heatwaves, urging adaptation measures like green roofs and better urban planning.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
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