“The personnel of the armed forces and security forces are making inhuman efforts against the front of fire attacking the country. Thus, by all appropriate means, they are trying, first of all, to protect the lives of citizens, and then their property, as well as cultural and environmental values that are in danger, “the Greek Defense Ministry said in a statement.
On Thursday, the Greek army and air force began implementing the Defkalion plan, aimed at helping the country’s population in the event of an emergency due to natural disasters and providing assistance to the affected areas. In the city of Chalkida in Evia, with the help of the army, an impromptu camp was set up inside the municipal gymnasium of Chalkida to accommodate the victims of the fire.
Surveillance is carried out from helicopters, from reconnaissance aircraft, from drones, as well as using a specialized satellite.
Over the past 48 hours, the Ministry of Defense provided:
10 specialized groups of Defkalion military units, of which 8 for fires in Evia and 2 in Attica. There are 7 corresponding brigades in hourly readiness for transfer to any point of the territory. 15 engineering vehicles with matching trailers, 3 fire trucks and 96 vehicles of all types in Attica, Ilia and Evia. 45 auto patrols of 2 people each for the timely detection of any repeated fires in the fire zone in South Attica (90 people and 45 vehicles in total). 9 truck patrols with ED and police personnel to help the political authorities evacuate the population of the wider area of Ilia (a total of 18 people and 9 vehicles). 9 auto patrols of 2 people each for the timely detection of any repeated fires in Evia (a total of 18 people and 9 vehicles). 9 auto patrols, 2 people each, to timely detect any re-fires in Ilia (total 18 people and 9 vehicles). 6 auto patrols of 2 people each to timely detect any re-fires in Messinia (12 people and 6 vehicles in total). 31 servicemen to help extinguish a fire in the area of Ancient Olympia. Special Directorate for Natural Disaster Management (ETAK) with personnel and 2 fire engines in Attica. a mobile disaster relief team (KOMAC) with personnel and 2 vehicles in Attica. 20 people to support the work of the fire department in the regional office of Grevin. 39 airplanes and helicopters to extinguish fires from the air and monitor the affected areas, as well as areas of increased risk of fire. 15 people to help in setting up a temporary camp on the territory of the Chalkida municipal gymnasium to accommodate victims of the fire.
As highlighted in the Defense Ministry statement, the relevant naval units are on full alert to use the Coast Guard in case of evacuation, while teams of a total of 260 people remain on hourly readiness in all camps in the country. They can be made available depending on the emerging needs. The burn department of the 251st hospital (251 GNA) is in full readiness, which has been allocated to provide medical services if necessary.
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