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Greece declares three days of national mourning after fires kills scores

GREEK Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has declared three days of national mourning following devastating forest fires that have killed at least 70.

Offers of international support poured in after the scale of the tragedy became evident with the wildfires spreading through holiday resorts close to the Greek capital, Athens.

Many people fled to beaches to escape the inferno, with some swimming out to sea in desperation.

Harrowing reports emerged of families, including children, being found burned alive as they huddled together just metres from the sea.

A firefighter sprays water on the fire in the town of Mati, east of Athens, yesterday. Regional authorities have declared a state of emergency in the eastern and western parts of the greater Athens area as fires fanned by gale-force winds rage
A firefighter sprays water on the fire in the town of Mati, east of Athens, yesterday. Regional authorities have declared a state of emergency in the eastern and western parts of the greater Athens area as fires fanned by gale-force winds rage

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said: “In these difficult hours Germany stands firmly by the side of our Greek friends.

"You can be sure of our willingness to provide support in coping with the fire disaster."

Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte offered his condolences and confirmed he was sending two water-dropping aircraft to Greece to help contain the fires.

Neighbouring Turkey offered its support, with Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli saying that firefighting planes were just "45 minutes away if there is a request and we are ready to intervene immediately."

And Spain, which is also prone to wildfires, said it had two Canadair-type planes that can hoard 5.5 tonnes of water piloted by members of the country's air force ready to be dispatched pending an assessment.

The death toll is likely to rise as rescue teams search through the charred remains. Authorities confirmed that around 700 people had been successfully evacuated and the coastguard was searching for those feared missing at sea.

International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies spokeswoman Georgia Trismpioti said: "The death toll rises every hour, many people lost their loved ones, many people lost their houses, lost everything and they will need long-term support in order to recover.”

The two wildfires spread in Attica region around Athens, aided by gale force winds which prevented people from fleeing their homes or cars.

Mr Tsipras said: "Today Greece is mourning and, in memory of those who were lost, we are declaring a three-day period of mourning. 

"But we mustn't let mourning overwhelm us, because these hours are hours of battle, unity, courage and, above all, solidarity."

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