Wildfires on Greek island of Salamina kill 2, injure 9

Two bodies were found on Sunday during a wildfire-fighting operation on the Greek island of Salamina, Greek national broadcaster ERT reported, citing Fire Service sources, reported Xinhua.

The bodies, whose identities have not yet been established, were discovered near the area where a wildfire appears to have started around midday in a forested area of Peristeria. Initial information indicated that the victims were a married couple.

The Fire Service Operations Center was alerted to the fire at 2:43 p.m. local time. Within seven minutes, the fire spread rapidly amid strong winds. The blaze was burning through pine trees and had also damaged homes.

Salamina is an island in the Saronic Gulf, about 20 km west of the Greek capital Athens and near the port of Piraeus. It is a popular summer destination and is known for the Battle of Salamis, fought in the waters near the island in 480 B.C.

A second fire was burning in the Kaki Vigla area. An elderly man was rescued from his home there, while nine people suffering from burns in the Peristeria and Kaki Vigla areas were transported to the Salamina Health Center, according to Greek national news agency AMNA.

At least 90 people have been evacuated by sea as part of an ongoing operation. The Hellenic Coast Guard has been placed on alert, with vessels ready to provide assistance if required.

A total of 146 firefighters, supported by volunteers, have been deployed to tackle the fires. Four water-dropping aircraft and six helicopters have also been mobilized.

The latest fires come as Greece faces a high risk of wildfires, with strong winds and dry conditions increasing the danger in parts of the country.

With the latest reported fatalities on Salamina, the number of people who have lost their lives in wildfires across Greece this summer has risen to eight.