A ferocious wildfire that broke out below the Pangia Voitheia Monastery on Greece’s Chios Island on Sunday has continued to burn and spread, forcing residents to evacuate as powerful winds fan the flames.
More than 100 firefighters are battling to contain the blaze, supported by 11 helicopters dousing the fire from above.
Emergency services have been deployed to protect locals, with authorities urging residents to follow all evacuation orders. Multiple warnings have been issued throughout the day, with people in Karyes told to leave for the main town of Chios.
The Hellenic Fire Department confirmed that fires also ignited in Kofinas, Agia Anna and Agios Makarios in Vrontados within just one hour.
Other areas affected include Agios Makarios in Vrontados, Agios Panteleimonas, Kastrominas, Paryfes, Gialourika and Panagia Voitheia.
An urgent probe has been launched into the cause of the fire, with officials fearing it may have been started deliberately.
A specialist arson task force is on its way to the island and will work alongside Greece’s police state security division to establish the cause.
Assessing the full extent of the devastation will take time, officers warned, as strong winds could drive the fire further overnight.
Water tankers and heavy machinery have also been dispatched to the scene, with an extra 35 firefighters and five vehicles sent in to help tackle the inferno.