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Global wildfires: Hundreds evacuated in Greece

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Greece, Aug 09: Massive wildfires continued to rage across parts of Europe and the United States on Saturday.

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In Greece, firefighters battled the flames for a fifth day, with thousands of people being forced to evacuate. The blazes, which began on Tuesday, were triggered by the country's worst heat wave in more than 30 years.

Global wildfires: Hundreds evacuated in Greece

A top Greek official said there were 55 fires across the country on Saturday.

The flames devoured wooded areas in a national park north of Athens, with 39 villages also evacuated on the island of Evia. The fires have ravaged homes and businesses, in addition to killing animals.

Turkey: Death toll rises as wildfires rageTurkey: Death toll rises as wildfires rage

Two people have died, including a volunteer firefighter, with 20 people receiving hospital treatment.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed the situation while visiting the fire department headquarters in Athens. He said procuring assistance for the victims of the fires would be his "first political priority."

"When this nightmarish summer has passed, we will turn all our attention to repairing the damage as fast as possible, and in restoring our natural environment again," the Greek leader said.

News agency dpa reported Saturday that Germany is mobilizing firefighters and emergency vehicles to help Greece battle the flames.

Here's a look at the latest wildfire developments in other parts of the world.

Turkey

Rain brought relief to some areas of Turkey, as more than 5,000 firefighters fought the blazes for the 11th day in a row.

Authorities managed to get the flames under control in southwestern Antalya province after the rainfall.

In neighboring Mugla province, firefighters battled the fires in the provincial capital, which shares the same name.

Five areas were burning near Mugla city, with residents of three neighborhoods being forced to evacuate.

Turkish Agriculture Minister Bekir Pakdemirli tweeted Saturday that over 200 fires have impacted 47 of the country's 81 provinces.

At least eight people have died from the fires, along with many animals. One tortoise in Mugla, however, was unscathed from the blazes after being rescued by aid workers.

Provided by Deutsche Welle

Russia

More than 250 fires were burning in Russia on Saturday, with the northeastern region of Siberia most impacted by the flames.

Source: DW

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