The Belgian embassy in Athens has received a few queries, but no requests for assistance from Belgians in Greece, the Belgian Foreign Ministry reported on Tuesday.
This year’s worst wildfire in Greece has ravaged over 10,000 hectares, decimating countless buildings and vehicles in Athens’ northeastern suburbs. Wind-driven flames stretching for 30 kilometres and over 25 metres high in some places have necessitated the evacuation of thousands. One fatality has been recorded so far.
Greece has reached out to the European Union for support. Several member States have already dispatched manpower and equipment.
Speaking to Belga News Agency, the Belgian Foreign Ministry estimated that around 1,380 Belgians residents and 52 holidaymakers were in areas surrounding Athens. “Our embassy on the ground has received inquiries, but no requests for help,” it said.
In response to whether Belgium and its foreign intervention team, B-FAST, could assist in firefighting, the Ministry said they did not possess the requisite capabilities and thus, could not intervene.
“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.
