Destructive fires. Red Cross response

In Greece, Turkey, and other parts of Europe, wildfires are raging, and the continent is engulfed in a deadly heatwave. Mass evacuations are underway, the disaster is causing immense damage to buildings and infrastructure, and, unfortunately, there are also fatalities. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) supports emergency services fighting the fires and dealing with the aftermath of the heatwave, as well as affected communities, including migrants, the elderly and infirm, and children.

IFRC warns that this is just the beginning. In the face of heatwaves and the risk of wildfires expected until September, we must shift from responding to proactive preparation. Governments, municipalities, and communities must take swift action now - the better we prepare, the more lives we save.

In the Izmir region of Turkey, wildfires have claimed two lives and forced the evacuation of 50,000 people, with hundreds of homes damaged. On the Greek island of Crete, where the fire approached inhabited areas, over 5,000 residents and tourists have been evacuated. In eastern Germany, more than 100 people have been displaced due to the spreading flames.

In Greece, Red Cross volunteers are working with firefighters to provide essential first aid to both rescue personnel and evacuees, including care for displaced pets.

In Turkey, Red Crescent teams are delivering essential food, water, and necessities to firefighters and those forced to leave their homes.

In North Macedonia, mobile teams are distributing rehydration supplements and sun protection supplies while coordinating with authorities to ensure the safe transport of migrants.

These actions are part of a broader humanitarian response to the growing climate crisis in Europe, where rising temperatures and prolonged droughts contribute to increased wildfire risk. IFRC is committed not only to immediate assistance but also to building community resilience through health support, preparedness, and climate adaptation initiatives.

IFRC calls on governments, local authorities, and communities to prioritize climate adaptation. Investment is needed in early warning systems, health services, and risk reduction to mitigate the humanitarian impacts of these increasingly frequent disasters.