Wildfires kill at least 74 in Greece
- 6 years ago
More than 70 people have been killed in wildfires that have wreacked havoc near the Greek capital Athens.
They are being described as the worst to hit the country in more than a decade.
For more on this and other news around the world we turn to our Ro Aram…
Aram… what's the latest?
Well Mark…the death toll has now hit at least 74.
Nearly 190 others are said to have been injured.
The flames swept through the resort town of Mati at a rapid pace from Monday night, local time.
The devastation became apparent on Tuesday morning, with houses and vehicles charred to a crisp.
Survivors have compared the ordeal to the deadly volcanic eruption that destroyed the city of Pompeii.
The bodies of 26 adults and children, who apparently died hugging each other, were found close to the sea - a scene reminiscent of the Pompeii disaster.
Residents described how everyone was heading for the water.
"I took my baby and ran towards the sea, and my wife I didn't know what happened, I think she burned herself here."
"The fire was chasing after us, whoever managed to leave in time, did so. The person who was right behind me when I drove to the main road did not make it, the fire took him and melted him."
"We ran and headed toward the sea. We fell into the sea and tried to distance ourselves, to get away from the carbon monoxide. We went as far in as we could.
A search operation to find more survivors is underway, but officials fear the death toll could rise.
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras sent his condolences and declared a state of emergency and three days of national mourning.
Some of Greece's European neighbors have offered assistance to try and contain the rapidly spreading flames.
They are being described as the worst to hit the country in more than a decade.
For more on this and other news around the world we turn to our Ro Aram…
Aram… what's the latest?
Well Mark…the death toll has now hit at least 74.
Nearly 190 others are said to have been injured.
The flames swept through the resort town of Mati at a rapid pace from Monday night, local time.
The devastation became apparent on Tuesday morning, with houses and vehicles charred to a crisp.
Survivors have compared the ordeal to the deadly volcanic eruption that destroyed the city of Pompeii.
The bodies of 26 adults and children, who apparently died hugging each other, were found close to the sea - a scene reminiscent of the Pompeii disaster.
Residents described how everyone was heading for the water.
"I took my baby and ran towards the sea, and my wife I didn't know what happened, I think she burned herself here."
"The fire was chasing after us, whoever managed to leave in time, did so. The person who was right behind me when I drove to the main road did not make it, the fire took him and melted him."
"We ran and headed toward the sea. We fell into the sea and tried to distance ourselves, to get away from the carbon monoxide. We went as far in as we could.
A search operation to find more survivors is underway, but officials fear the death toll could rise.
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras sent his condolences and declared a state of emergency and three days of national mourning.
Some of Greece's European neighbors have offered assistance to try and contain the rapidly spreading flames.