EMERGENCY HELP TO FIRE VICTIMS IN GREECE

Wildfires in Pendeli, Athens –the Disaster and the Humanitarian Response

Overview:

This July and August of 2024, Greece faced one of the most intense wildfire seasons in recent years, with several regions across the country experiencing severe fire outbreaks. One of the most significant areas affected was Pendeli, located to the northeast of Athens. Pendeli, an area known for its pine forests, faced an urgent crisis in July and August 2024, as wildfires ravaged the region, forcing thousands to evacuate, the way that only California and LA faced, some months later, devastating homes, and causing extensive damage to the environment.

The Wildfire Event:

The Pendeli wildfires were triggered by a combination of extreme summer heatwaves, dry conditions, and strong winds. On July 20, 2024, the fire broke out in the forested hills of Pendeli and quickly spread to nearby residential areas in the suburbs of northeastern Athens.

The fires were fueled by intense winds, which spread the flames rapidly, especially in the direction of the nearby central area of the town. The fire also posed a threat to critical infrastructure and endangered historical sites, such as the famous Pendeli Mountain. The Greek fire services, supported by military personnel and local volunteers, battled the flames day and night, with limited success initially, due to the difficult terrain and the scale of the fire.and international entities.

H.U.G. with doctors and essencials on the ground for days struggling to help people escape the fire

We gave our help on the ground, with doctors, giving the first aid to injured and trapped unconscious. Many injured volunteers and residents, animals and elders needed our help to get out of the incandescent field where none of us could breathe. We were struggling to give the first aid using our two mini vans as an ambulance. One of them, in fact, never came back. We had to abandon it in the fire as the wind turned on us. We hardly escaped the fire.!It’s a moment I ll never forget ON 12 of August. The day we were in danger of dying in the fire.  We have never have experienced such strong winds on a fire ground. Our experience in Mati in 2018 was painful because many people died. But this fire of 2024 ! was going in every direction unexpectedly and with enormous power due to the wind, like a real team of Demons attacking all over the area. It lasted several days. Endless hours for everyone. In the end the firefighters and the civilians and our team were all the same color. Black. With ragged clothes.

The fire finally began to be contained by the end of July, after days of intense efforts. However, the damage was already severe, with large areas of forest destroyed, homes damaged or destroyed, and critical environmental losses. Thousands of acres of land were burned, including parts of the Pendeli forest, which is home to unique flora and fauna. The fire had a particularly severe impact on the local biodiversity.

Humanitarian Response:

The scale of the destruction prompted a swift humanitarian response, both from local organizations and international entities. Several key measures were taken to support the affected populations:

1. Evacuation and Shelter: Thousands of residents were evacuated from Pendeli and surrounding areas, often with little notice. Temporary shelters were set up in nearby towns and community centers, with the government, local authorities, and Kid & Family with our H.U.G. mental health network, coordinating efforts to provide accommodations, food, and basic supplies. Many residents sought refuge in Athens, where emergency shelters were quickly established.
2. Our Medical Assistance and Psychological Support: The fires left many individuals in need of medical attention, either due to smoke inhalation, burns, or injuries sustained during the evacuation. We set Field hospitals were set up, and medical teams from local hospitals, as well as our volunteers, provided immediate care. Psychological support services were also crucial, as the trauma from the fire's destruction and displacement affected many individuals. As Specialized counselors and therapists, we offered support to those who had lost homes or loved ones in the blaze.
3. International Aid: Greece received international support from neighboring European countries, including France, Italy, and Spain, which sent firefighting teams and equipment. Additionally, the European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism was activated, allowing for the swift deployment of firefighting personnel and technical resources to assist in the containment efforts.
4. Donations and Volunteer Efforts: Greek citizens, as Kid & Family, mobilized to provide material and medical support. Food, water, clothing, hygiene products, and other essential items were collected and we were escaping the fire to organize distributions. We WARMLY thank Kid & Family’s Volunteer groups who played a crucial role in organizing aid deliveries, helping with evacuation, and assisting those affected by the disaster.
5. Long-Term Rehabilitation: In the aftermath of the Pendeli wildfires, local authorities and Kid & Family with the H.U.G. mental health network, focused on providing long-term assistance to affected communities.
6. Financial aid and rebuilding programs are crucial now, to help homeowners whose properties had been destroyed. Environmental recovery projects were also put into place to begin restoring the damaged forest ecosystems, with efforts focused on reforestation and habitat restoration.

Challenges and Ongoing Efforts:

The Pendeli underscored the ongoing challenges Greece faces in managing the growing threat of wildfires, exacerbated by climate change. The frequency and intensity of fires are increasing, requiring stronger prevention measures and enhanced firefighting capabilities. Efforts to prevent future fires in Pendeli and similar regions are now underway, with investments in firebreaks, improved infrastructure, and community preparedness programs.

As the community rebuilds, the importance of fostering resilience and improving climate adaptation strategies has never been more apparent. The human toll of the Pendeli wildfires was significant, but the collective efforts of Greek citizens, international partners, and humanitarian organizations demonstrated the power of solidarity in the face of disaster.

Conclusion:

The 2024 wildfires in Penteli were a tragic event that affected thousands of lives, but they also highlighted the incredible strength and determination of the community and the global response to disaster relief. In the months following the fires, Greece suffered an even bigger fatal accident. The tragic accident of Tempi.We are on the side of those tragic families. But we cant’ forget!

The devastated people of Penteli, it is very natural that they have already forgotten

We cant abandon them. As they have not all of them a house to get through this cold winder. We do count on your support as HUMANS UNITED GLOBAllY. Let;s stay UNited!

Warm Regards

Links:

• Testimonies of horror from fire victims 8/14/2024 ERT nationalTV
• This is the place we lost our Mini Van in the fire
• PENDELI Volunteers on the front lines for 16 days non stop!