Two die as firefighting helicopters collide in Greece, French blaze changes course

Two firefighting helicopters collided in Greece on Sunday while battling a large wildfire northwest of Athens, killing two people. The blaze has destroyed more than 100 homes in the Agios Konstantinos area, prompting evacuations. Separately, a wildfire on the tourist island of Kefalonia changed course, forcing residents and visitors to flee. The incidents highlight the severe wildfire season in Greece, exacerbated by extreme heat and dry conditions. Greek authorities have been struggling to contain multiple fires across the country, with firefighting resources stretched thin. The collision is under investigation, and officials have expressed condolences to the victims' families.

Global Impact

The collision and ongoing wildfires underscore the escalating frequency and intensity of climate-driven disasters in Southern Europe, with economic costs mounting from property destruction, firefighting operations, and tourism losses. Politically, the Greek government faces pressure to improve firefighting capacity and climate adaptation, a theme echoed across Mediterranean countries.