Tourists are being rescued, construction is being suspended: the heat has gripped Greece

Due to the abnormally high temperatures in Greece, the government has imposed a ban on certain types of work during the hottest hours – from 12:00 to 17:00. Employers who violate this ban will be fined 2,000 euros per employee.

According to forecasts, temperatures may reach +44°C in some regions. The ban mainly applies to construction work, as well as physical work outdoors, including delivering goods on foot or on motorcycles. The only exception is couriers who work by car. In addition, companies are recommended to switch to remote work, if possible.

These restrictions are already becoming commonplace in Greece; this summer, as in the past, the Acropolis was even closed on certain days to prevent risks to tourists due to the heat.

Forest fires: evacuations and firefighting

Along with the heat wave, forest fires are spreading across the country. The most difficult situation is observed on the island of Crete, near Ierapetra, as well as in the mountainous areas near Corinth, north of Athens and on the island of Chios.

In the first days of July, about 5,000 people were evacuated on Crete, including both locals and tourists. In some cases, evacuees were brought by boat from remote beaches. Several people, mostly elderly, were reported to have been affected by the smoke, requiring medical attention. Hospitals have been put on high alert.

More than 200 firefighters, as well as 15 aircraft and 12 helicopters, some of which were diverted from the mainland, have been deployed to combat the fires. However, strong winds and dry weather are making it extremely difficult to contain the fires.

Experts say that it is not only the high temperature that is causing such phenomena; Low humidity, seasonal winds, and climate change are also important, making such disasters more frequent.