For the third consecutive day, firefighting forces in Chios continue their titanic effort to contain the fire fronts that continue to rage uncontrollably since Sunday afternoon (22/6). It should be noted that the most serious problems are located in the areas of Agios Georgios Sykousi, Vessa and Dafnonas. In fact, early Tuesday morning (24/6), shortly before 6:00 AM, a warning message was sent from 112 for the re-evacuation of Vessa, while around 7:30 AM an order was given for the evacuation of the Lithi area as well.
Chios fire: 444 firefighters battle the flames – scattered fire zones
The forces operating on the island of Chios are particularly reinforced, as fire service representatives told parapolitika.gr, at this time 444 firefighters are battling the flames, of which 21 involve ground crews, 14 helicopters, 4 aircraft and 85 water-carrying vehicles. The fire zones remain scattered, with some having been brought under partial control, while others show frequent flare-ups. The situation remains extremely difficult and volatile, as the fires have not yet been brought under full control.
Chios: Fire’s smoke visible in Cyclades and Crete
The magnitude of the disaster in Chios is also reflected in the volume of smoke which is visible in the Cyclades and Crete. According to the AtmoHub of the National Observatory of Athens and data from the Meteosat MSG satellite, the smoke is moving south, affecting the atmosphere in the Cyclades (Mykonos, Paros, Ios, Naxos) and reaching as far as Crete.
New messages from 112 to Lithi and Vessa Chios residents
Meanwhile, three messages via 112 have been sent, from midnight until early Tuesday morning (24/6), calling on residents to move away from the settlements of Lithi (and Lithi beach) and Vessa Chios. Specifically, shortly after midnight, through a 112 message, Civil Protection called on those in Lithi Chios to move away from the area and head via Kontelopou to the Neochorio Community Hall, while shortly after 7:00 AM a new message was sent to residents of the settlement as well as those at Lithi beach to move away to the Neochorio community hall via Armolia.
