Experts warn of desertification of Attica as nearly half of surrounding forest lost in recent years. Northeast Attica in Greece found itself at the mercy of the wildfires once again this year. After two days of fighting fires that stretched across tens of kilometers, firefighters faced and continued to battle flare-ups in multiple areas on the third day.
Some areas remain without water and electricity, as the damage to the infrastructure is extensive. One of the areas seriously affected is Varnavas, where the fire started. "I saved what I could from the house.
They told us that the electricity will come back in about a month and we don’t know anything about the water," said a local resident. Experts are now warning that the risk of desertification of Attica is huge as it is estimated that 40% of the surrounding forest has been lost in recent years with the fiery nightmare repeating itself. The damage tally has already started and the concern remains as temperatures are still very high.
"It is a scary experience, of course, and it is traumatic to see what is happening to your neighbours, their property, and the beautiful mountain we live in. It is very sad," said a local woman who had to evacuate. The fire, passing through a huge forest area of about 20 kilometres, reached the urban fabric.
In the suburb of Vrillisia, the flames threatened from three different fronts. ‘’The forest had been cleared of low vegetation and pruning had also been done in the upper part of the .