ATHENS (AFP) – Thousands of residents near Athens fled their homes yesterday, including in the historic town of Marathon, as wildfires crept closer to the capital despite “superhuman” efforts to contain the blazes, officials said.
Authorities ordered at least five more communities and two hospitals northeast of Athens to leave after eight nearby villages, including Marathon, were told to evacuate on Sunday.
A 30-kilometre long wall of flames, more than 25 metres high, was moving towards Athens, the ERT public broadcaster reported.
Eight people were hospitalised with respiratory problems and authorities opened the Olympic stadium in northern Athens to house those fleeing.
