Wildfires threaten homes in Crete amid Europe's heatwave

Firefighters on the Greek island of Crete are battling large wildfires whipped up by gale-force winds and dry conditions, as Europe continues to swelter through a heatwave. At least 1,000 residents have been forced to evacuate so far, with authorities declaring a state of emergency on Thursday. Around 230 firefighters, along with 46 engines and 10 helicopters, were deployed to contain the conflagration on Greece's largest island. The blaze encroached upon houses and hotels that were earlier evacuated, stoked by intense winds that 'rekindled and hindered firefighting efforts,' fire brigade spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said.

'It was very scary,' said 26-year old Danish tourist Mikkel Sallin, who was ordered to evacuated from his accommodation to another hotel. 'We are just glad to stay here right now and feel safe.' Local media reported damage to some homes, and some people were hospitalized with respiratory issues, an official said. It came as a new fire also broke out near the Greek capital of Athens, threatening homes and prompting evacuations. Thick grey smoke billowed over the area, close to the Athens international airport and Rafina, home to the capital's second largest port. The main avenue linking the suburb to Athens was closed to traffic. Authorities said there was a high risk of fires also on Friday.

Greece and other countries in the Mediterranean are in an area scientists dub 'a wildfire hotspot' - with blazes common during hot and dry summers. These have become more destructive in recent years due to a fast-changing climate. Scientists say heatwaves have arrived earlier this year, spiking temperatures by up to 10 degrees Celsius in some regions. Warming seas were trapping hot air over much of Europe, in what has become known as a heat dome. In Turkiye, thousands have been forced to flee raging wildfires in the coastal province of Izmir. Italy's health ministry has also issued red alerts for 18 cities amid soaring temperatures, with the country's energy minister also warning of potential blackouts due to surging use of air-conditioning.

According to the source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation.