Thousands evacuated from Athens suburb as fires rage amid worst heatwave in 30 years

Thousands of people have been evacuated from Varibobi, a northeastern suburb of Athens, and more than 100 homes and businesses have been destroyed as helicopters, planes and ground forces wrestle to bring a fire that started on Tuesday under control.

A total of 77 people have been transferred to hospital with respiratory problems, according to state officials, and winds were expected to increase on Wednesday afternoon as the fire continues to burn through Varibobi and the pine forest of Parnitha.

Meanwhile Greece’s coastguard service was helping with evacuations on the island of Evia, where residents escaping wildfires had fled to a beach for safety.