Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Requiem for a paradise


A fire began raging on the Halkidiki "finger" of Kassandra yesterday, burning out of control, destroying homes and wrecking vacation dreams for thousands of holidaymakers who find the tranquil, turquoise beaches a top holiday spot. A German tourist has died, apparently he drowned while trying to get away from the blaze on a boat. Sadly, he leaves a wife and child behind.

Today it is reported that the fire is under control, although one area has rekindled. The images of the fire have been a bit shocking, like the one above from ERT. Live pictures of the burning at night shocked me - it almost looked like lava burning all over the ground.

These aren't the only fires in Greece at the moment, unfortunately the Greek countryside seems to be rife with fire in the summertime, and sometimes the flames are sparked maliciously. Right now, I don't think there are any reports of what started the blaze on Halkidiki, I just hope it wasn't intentional.

My thoughts are with all those displaced by fire this summer, and those firefighters who are still working diligently to put out the flames. May Hephaistos guide them, and help them tame the blazes burning all around them.

1 comment:

Dixie said...

Seeing these fires on our news here just breaks my heart. I can't imagine the terror they cause and the devestation.