Greece has taken drastic measures in response to an impending heatwave, closing down the Acropolis and schools across Athens. With temperatures set to soar to 43°C (109.4°F), driven by hot winds and dust from North Africa, the country faces its first major heatwave of the summer.
The Acropolis, including the iconic Parthenon temple, was shut to visitors from noon to 5pm to protect against the scorching temperatures. Red Cross personnel distributed water to tourists to cope with the extreme heat.
In addition to closing archaeological sites, many primary schools and nurseries have been instructed to suspend classes for two days as a precautionary measure.
Greece, significantly impacted by the climate crisis, has experienced severe consequences in recent years. Deadly wildfires fueled by rising temperatures last year, alongside erratic rainfall causing devastating floods, have severely affected agriculture and livelihoods.
Similar conditions across southern Europe, including Portugal, France, Spain, and Italy, have led to tragic consequences, with wildfires claiming numerous lives. In Greece, fires have started earlier than usual this year, with one notable incident occurring as early as March.
Authorities in Greece have ramped up their preparedness efforts following last year’s destructive wildfires, which included the largest peacetime evacuation on record on the island of Rhodes. Enhanced measures include increased staffing and intensified training for firefighters and emergency responders.
To coordinate public health responses, Athens has deployed drones equipped with thermal cameras, aiding in monitoring and mitigating the effects of the heatwave.
The heatwave highlights the escalating frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events, underscoring the urgent need for proactive measures to address the growing impacts of climate change.
