Strong wildfires rage in Greece, including islands of Chios, Zakynthos

Strong wildfires continue to rage in Greece, including on the islands of Chios and Zakynthos, as well as the western port city of Patras and the northwestern province of Preveza, during the early hours of Wednesday.

A fire that broke out in the forest of Chalandra continues to expand in Chios with flames reaching the villages of Potamia and Pispilounda, forcing the evacuation of the village of Volissos, public broadcaster ERT reported.

Despite the best efforts of firefighting teams, the fire appears to be out of control and risks expanding, owing to strong northerly winds also hampering efforts to control fires in the other parts of the country, it added.

A fire that broke out early Wednesday in an agricultural forest area between Lithakia, Agala and Kiliomenos in Zakynthos, is also in full swing, with flames raging mainly in the settlements of Agala and Keri, which were evacuated by authorities.

As the fire continues to expand on multiple fronts, all hotels were evacuated in the popular tourist area, it added.

In Preveza, a fire that erupted in forestland in the Gymnotopos area was swiftly moving toward Thesprotiko and Philippiada, according to the broadcaster.

At least two medical facilities were also evacuated, apart from several settlements in the area.

In Patras, a fire is expanding from the industrial zone in Achaia to nearby residential areas and leading to a major evacuation endeavor, including many villages, and the Kato Achaia Hospital.