Greek Prime Minister Krikos Mitsodakis on Monday apologized for failing to tackle the devastating wildfires that have swept across Greece for the past seven days as the country lost destroyed homes and livelihoods.
On the seventh day there was a great lead on the mainland east of Athens in Evia, the second largest island in Greece, as flames engulfed many parts of the country.
“I burned everything, nothing was left,” said Magis Ladokyanakis, 77, sitting in a cafe in the coastal town of Pefki, where I waited for a boat to safely evacuate more locals and tourists if needed.
“The fire is the biggest disaster in the village,” he added. “People live on the production of resin and olive trees.”
More than 500 fires burned across Greece, forcing authorities to evacuate dozens of villages and thousands of people. Public anger is growing over the government’s delayed response and failure.
Mitsodakis appeared on television on Monday to make a public apology and vow to identify and correct mistakes but call for unity.
“I fully understand the pain of our fellow citizens who saw their homes or properties burned … any failures will be identified,” he said. Liability will be determined where necessary. ”
Mitsodakis promised to restore the forest destroyed by the fire and to provide compensation to those whose property was destroyed by the fire.
He also approved a மில்லியன் 500 million aid package for the Attica area around Evia and Athens. Ministers are scheduled to meet on Tuesday to discuss further support measures.
On Monday, strong winds spread the fire in the Evia area. Authorities said firefighters had difficulty operating due to heavy smoke in the area.
The fire broke out last week during the worst heat wave in Greece in three decades.
“The climate crisis is knocking on the door of the entire planet,” Mitsodakis said, just hours after the release of the United Nations report on climate change.
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