Couple found dead and 500 beachgoers evacuated as wildfires engulf Greek island
- Two people, believed to be a couple, have died after two fast-moving wildfires broke out on the Greek island of Salamina during the country’s busiest summer holiday weekend.
- The victims’ bodies were recovered in the village of Peristeria, where strong winds fuelled the rapid spread of the blaze towards residential areas within minutes.
- Homes remain under threat across the Peristeria and Selina regions, prompting evacuation operations in Kolones and Saterli alongside preparations to use ferry boats for sea evacuations. Firefighting and coast guard vessels evacuated 500 beachgoers in the area.
- Some 260 firefighters were responding to the blazes, including 15 ground teams, 10 aircraft and eight helicopters. Five people have been treated at a local health clinic.
- European Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib expressed condolences following the deaths as severe heatwaves across Europe continue to create tinder-dry conditions and heighten wildfire risks.
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