The front of the major fire on Kythira has rapidly worsened since noon, with the result that it now threatens the wider area of the island.
According to the deputy mayor of Kythira George Komnenos, the situation has get completely out of control. Speaking on ERT, he addressed a dramatic appeal for the immediate deployment of aircraft:
«If planes and helicopters don't come here, we're going to burn!», he emphasized anxiously.
Mr. Komninos emphasized that the fire has now spread out of control:
«The fire has changed course, and now half the island is on fire. You can't imagine the damage.»
As he reported, the aircraft operating in the area departed to refuel without returning, leaving the firefighting crews and residents all alone in the face of the flames.
