The Belgian embassy in Athens has received several queries but no formal requests for assistance from Belgians in Greece, according to a statement from the Belgian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.
The announcement comes as Greece grapples with its most devastating wildfire of the year, which has already ravaged over 10,000 hectares in Athens‘ northeastern suburbs.
The wildfire, fueled by strong winds, has caused extensive damage to buildings and vehicles and forced the evacuation of thousands of residents. The flames, which have reached heights of over 25 meters and stretched for 30 kilometers, have resulted in one recorded fatality so far.
The severity of the situation has prompted Greece to seek assistance from the European Union, with several member states already dispatching manpower and equipment to aid in the firefighting efforts.
In a statement to Belga News Agency, the Belgian Foreign Ministry estimated that approximately 1,380 Belgian residents and 52 holidaymakers are currently in areas surrounding Athens. “Our embassy on the ground has received inquiries, but no requests for help,” the Ministry reported.
Despite the dire situation, the Ministry clarified that Belgium and its foreign intervention team, B-FAST, are not equipped to provide firefighting assistance in Greece. “We do not possess the requisite capabilities and thus, cannot intervene,” the Ministry stated.
The Belgian embassy in Athens is actively monitoring the situation and has assured that it will promptly notify registered Belgians of any new developments.
“The embassy in Athens is closely monitoring the situation and will immediately text those registered at the post office and on Travellers Online if new fires break out,” the Foreign Ministry added.
As the flames continue to wreak havoc, the Greek government has ramped up its efforts to contain the blaze. With support from the European Union and various member states, including fire brigades and specialized equipment, Greece is striving to bring the situation under control.
The wildfire’s impact on Athens’ northeastern suburbs is profound, with countless buildings and vehicles decimated by the relentless flames. The evacuation of thousands of residents has been a necessary measure to ensure their safety, as the wildfire’s unpredictable nature poses a significant threat.
While the immediate focus remains on controlling the wildfire and mitigating its damage, the Belgian Foreign Ministry’s assurance of vigilance and communication offers a measure of reassurance to Belgians in Greece.
The embassy’s proactive approach in keeping registered individuals informed underscores the importance of preparedness and timely updates in times of crisis.
As Greece continues to battle its worst wildfire of the year, the support from the European Union and its member states highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing natural disasters.
For Belgians in Greece, the embassy’s ongoing monitoring and communication efforts provide a crucial link to safety and assistance should the need arise.
In the face of this environmental catastrophe, the resilience and solidarity of the affected communities, supported by international aid, stand as a testament to the collective effort required to overcome such challenges.
The situation remains fluid, and continued vigilance and cooperation will be key in navigating the days ahead.
