The Greek government has announced a series of measures to protect people in the capital from the heatwave which has left at least six tourists dead. The region has been hit by a terrible heatwave which has seen the temperature rise to more than 50C.
Wildfires also erupted in Greece earlier this week amid very windy, hot and dry conditions. Six villages or settlements were ordered to evacuate as a precaution because of wildfires near Anavyssos, just south of Athens, and in the southern Peloponnese region.
The greater Athens region was on the top wildfire emergency footing because of the weather forecast, with bans on entering forests and parks. Now the City of Athens has taken measures to help citizens and tourists.
The deaths have mainly involved hikers who have gone missing in the heat after getting into difficulties, like the TV doctor Michael Mosley. From yesterday Athens has opened air-conditioned spaces, providef medical advice and support, and has increased fire patrols in the capital’s big parks and forests.
There is no time limit on the new measures, Keep Talking Greece website said, with officials saying the summer is likely to be extremely hot for a long time. Social workers, nurses and psychologists working with the city’s homeless will be out in the streets distributing water, meals, coffee and protection kits.
Municipal patrols on foot and drones will be keeping an eye out for any possible fires on Lycabettus Hill. More than 150 water receptacles have been put out for stray cats and dogs.
Keep Talking Greece has created a website in English and Greek to give advice and support for tourists and residents at https://coolathens.cityofathens.gr/en/. A free mobile app has also been created called Extrema – which will have real-time information on the temperature and heat category of the day with corresponding precautionary instructions.
It indicates on a map the nearest cool spots (such as fountains, parks), the coolest routes to each destination through shady, tree-lined streets, and informs about the city’s air pollution levels. It provides the ability to monitor the risk to humans so they can be informed to stay safe. The app works in six languages and has built-in locations of popular attractions and museums in the city.
The UK Foreign Office has also issued advice on dealing with extreme heat abroad. The advice, which can be accessed here, says that dangers include dehydration, overheating and heatstroke.
It advises using the affiliated Travel Health Pro website, which can be seen here. It says: “Travellers can check weather forecasts at the destination to see if hot weather is expected. Outdoor air quality may also be worse during hot weather and it is advisable to check local air quality data for the destination.
“Travellers should be prepared for hot weather by packing lightweight, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The NHS recommend that sunscreen should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 as well as four- or five-star ultraviolet (UV) A protection. Those with underlying health conditions should get advice from their doctor or hospital specialist about managing their health in the heat, ideally 4-6 weeks before travel. Certain medications can increase the risk of poor health outcomes during hot weather.”