Wildfires in Greece and Southern Europe Turn Deadly; Possible Migrant Deaths Reported

Eighteen charred bodies were discovered in a remote village in northeastern Greece on Tuesday, as wildfires continue to rage in the region. Firefighters are investigating whether the bodies, found near a shack south of the village of Avantas, were migrants. The surrounding Evros region is a common route for migrants from the Middle East and Asia crossing from Turkey. Meanwhile, in Spain, Italy, and Portugal, firefighters are battling wildfires as the region experiences hot, dry, and windy conditions that scientists have linked to climate change. The extreme weather conditions have led to red alerts being issued in several areas, with temperatures expected to reach or exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in many parts of the region. The recent heatwave follows a record-breaking July, with devastating wildfires occurring in various countries. In Greece, gale-force winds are hampering firefighting efforts, while other countries are receiving international assistance to combat the blazes. Additionally, wildfires have broken out near the capital of Athens, forcing residents to flee and homes to be destroyed. Spain is struggling to control a massive wildfire that has been burning on the island of Tenerife for a week, while Portugal has placed numerous areas at maximum risk of wildfires due to the heat. Italy has also issued red alerts in several cities, advising people to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day. The heatwave is affecting various sectors, such as grape-pickers in southern France being advised to start their work early in the morning to avoid the extreme temperatures. With the heatwave persisting, authorities across southern Europe are working tirelessly to combat the fires and protect both people and property.