• Volunteers help firefighters tackle a blaze next to the village of Kamatriades in northern Evia, Greece.
    Volunteers help firefighters tackle a blaze next to the village of Kamatriades in northern Evia, Greece.
  • A rescue team member takes care of a dog during a bushfire on the island of Evia.
    A rescue team member takes care of a dog during a bushfire on the island of Evia.
  • Fires can be seen raging in the distance at Pefki Port on Evia island.
    Fires can be seen raging in the distance at Pefki Port on Evia island.
  • A bushfire burns in the village of Galatsona, Greece.
    A bushfire burns in the village of Galatsona, Greece.
  • Firefighters from Serbia try to extinguish a blaze in Kamaria village, Evia.
    Firefighters from Serbia try to extinguish a blaze in Kamaria village, Evia.
  • The sun sets behind burned trees in Kastri village, Evia island.
    The sun sets behind burned trees in Kastri village, Evia island.
  • Local residents join firefighters to tackle the bushfire in Kamaria village.
    Local residents join firefighters to tackle the bushfire in Kamaria village.
  • Thick smoke fills the sky above the village of Galatsona.
    Thick smoke fills the sky above the village of Galatsona.
  • An aircraft drops water over a blaze in Ellinika village, Evia island.
    An aircraft drops water over a blaze in Ellinika village, Evia island.

UAE sends helicopter and aid to support Greece fire response


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The UAE will send an aircraft loaded with supplies to Greece on Tuesday, to help battle fires that have swept across the country.

The government and its largest charity, Emirates Red Crescent, provided the helicopter and a large quantity of firefighting equipment and civilian aid.

A helicopter used to douse flames and dampen ground has already been sent to Greece, state news agency Wam reported.

Fires have threatened hills and suburbs around the capital Athens in recent days, while images of out-of-control blazes on the island of Evia have spread around the world.

The aid was ordered by President Sheikh Khalifa and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, is chairman of the ERC and oversees its operations.

Dr Mohammed Al Falahi, secretary general of the ERC, said the UAE stood in solidarity with the government and people of Greece "in addressing the unprecedented wildfires in the country".

"This support highlights the UAE’s keenness to reduce the impact of the natural disaster taking place in Greece, as well as its unlimited solidarity with victims," Dr Al Falahi said.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company provided some of the aid materials and equipment, he said.

Phase one of the campaign will focus on providing firefighting materials and shelter requirements, while other phases will cater for other needs, he said.

Updated: August 11, 2021, 8:14 AM