Athens - under siege with forest fires

[H18 SFR]

Just saw this on the news, looks really bad.

[tam4hibs]

See the UK news is running a story that Greece has declared a state of emergency due to series of serious wildfires.

With rain forecast; it may suppress but serious at the moment.

This seems to be worst affected near Kineta, 35 miles west of Athens. The main road to Corinth has been closed and trains cancelled. (That's the road across the peninsula between Athens and Tripolis).

Anyone know the area for comment?
Anyone in Greece at the moment?

Could really wreck game plans for us.
(I appreciate this pales in compariaon to the serious threat to property and lives).

Wee concerned hibby here...

[tam4hibs]

Duplicate topic, can merge wit other thread...

[Leithenhibby]

These fires look extremely serious from what I've just been watching on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/search?f=videos&vertical=news&q=greece%20fire&src=tyah&lang=en

Many deaths with the toll expected to rise. Hopefully the emergency services get on top of this asap.

[CB_NO3]

Was just about to post this as I seen it on the news. Hope this is resolved quickly. Looks pretty bad.

There is a jinx between Hibs and Athens.

[Leithenhibby]

Being reported now that at least 20 dead :(

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-24/greece-at-least-20-dead-in-wildfires-athens/10028952

[theonlywayisup]

If you search Athens fire in google, the map below is shown - it shows one fire is located close to the road to Tripoli. The weblink below says that "main motorway between Athens and Corinth has been closed".

https://www.google.com/maps/d/thumbnail?mid=1XqV2my7ca34XOmtdquZOFynVFPDfW-Y4&hl=en-GB&gl=uk

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/993016/Athens-wildfires-Greece-fire-evacuated-Kineta-Corinth-latest-news-updates-travel

I expect the Hibs website will provide guidance nearer the time of the match.

[greenlad]

If you search Athens fire in google, the map below is shown - it shows one fire is located close to the road to Tripoli. The weblink below says that "main motorway between Athens and Corinth has been closed".

https://www.google.com/maps/d/thumbnail?mid=1XqV2my7ca34XOmtdquZOFynVFPDfW-Y4&hl=en-GB&gl=uk

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/993016/Athens-wildfires-Greece-fire-evacuated-Kineta-Corinth-latest-news-updates-travel

I expect the Hibs website will provide guidance nearer the time of the match.

Could this even affect Thursday's game? Depends if the team need to fly from Athens I suppose.

[hibsbollah]

More than fifty now confirmed dead with many unaccounted for.

[Gatecrasher]

that's awful. I remember when I was in Turkey there were forest fires, it snowed ash for days and the fires were over an hour away.

[St Pauli Hibee]

This is unbelieveable. They have said that the Red Cross discovered 26 bodies between two homes this morning after they were trapped by the flames trying to escape to the sea.

Absoluete madness and unfortunately the temperatures show no signs of lowering with the next week showing between 30C & 33C every day

Hopefully they get the help required to bring the flames under control soon

[Gatecrasher]

I wonder if by this time next week there is still problems UEFA will ask for the game to be played at a different venue.

[SirDavidsNapper]

I wonder if by this time next week there is still problems UEFA will ask for the game to be played at a different venue.

Be as well just playing both ties at Easter Road 😉 feel for them over there though they just don't seem to be getting any luck at all. Fantastic country.

[basehibby]

In Athens now - unaffected as yet near the centre but witnessed a massive pall of smoke blocking out the Sun (which you could smell like you were standing next to a bonfire) yesterday while returning from a trip to a near by island. The real problem is high winds allied to high temperatures. Hopefully if the winds drop then the fires can be contained. No idea how this will affect either leg at the moment although given the location of some fires it could affect travel plans of Asteras Tripoli who would presumably be planning to bus it to the airport via roads that are currently closed. This will be the least of their worries at the moment though amidst what has quickly turned into a national tragedy. We plan to fly back to Edinburgh tonight and hoping our flight is not affected.

[BullsCloseHibs]

Unfortunately, for the travelling Hibs fans they will probably not be thought about when it comes to travel and the game being played (as what happened in 2001 v AEK Athens)
Hibs charter flight would almost certainly fly to either Kalamata or Kalogria Airports, both quite close to Tripoli and well away from the deadly fire region.

Note as well, the heat is expected to continue and possibly rise. Not good omens. Again!

Poor buggers who died though. RIP.

[BullsCloseHibs]

Could this even affect Thursday's game? Depends if the team need to fly from Athens I suppose.

The charter could use either Kalamata or Kalogria Airports, both close to Tripoli.

[hibee316]

Unfortunately, for the travelling Hibs fans they will probably not be thought about when it comes to travel and the game being played (as what happened in 2001 v AEK Athens)


Considering that people have lost their lives, we can put this into perspective.
People might not get to fly out, but they will have their health.

[Billy Whizz]

The charter could use either Kalamata or Kalogria Airports, both close to Tripoli.

I’m presuming this is the route Tripolas will take, when they fly to Edinburgh

[bingo70]

Think it was mentioned on another thread but a minutes silence before the game would be a good gesture IMO.

I'm sure if someone at the club was to organise a collection on the night of the game people would be happy to donate as well. Appreciate that would probably take a bit organising though.

[St Pauli Hibee]

Spanish planes deployedSpanish authorities have sent two amphibious planes to help tackle the wildfires.The country's agricultural ministry said the planes could carry 5.5 tons of water and will be flown by air force pilots.Officials said they were sent after assessing Spain's own need for them, with the country also prone to wildfires every year.

[Centre Hawf]

Think it was mentioned on another thread but a minutes silence before the game would be a good gesture IMO.

I'm sure if someone at the club was to organise a collection on the night of the game people would be happy to donate as well. Appreciate that would probably take a bit organising though.

This would be a lovely gesture. Would be happy to donate to a collection.

[H18 SFR]

In Athens now - unaffected as yet near the centre but witnessed a massive pall of smoke blocking out the Sun (which you could smell like you were standing next to a bonfire) yesterday while returning from a trip to a near by island. The real problem is high winds allied to high temperatures. Hopefully if the winds drop then the fires can be contained. No idea how this will affect either leg at the moment although given the location of some fires it could affect travel plans of Asteras Tripoli who would presumably be planning to bus it to the airport via roads that are currently closed. This will be the least of their worries at the moment though amidst what has quickly turned into a national tragedy. We plan to fly back to Edinburgh tonight and hoping our flight is not affected.

Keep us posted how you get on, stay safe.

[St Pauli Hibee]

Death Toll has risen to more than 60 people according to a Greek Official

[Andy Bee]

Watched a news report last night and it looked horrendous, sad, sad news about all the fatalities apparently up to around 60 now. We fly into Athens on Saturday but I'm obviously now seriously concerned. I've got a day left to cancel but really struggling with this.

[Nakedmanoncrack]

Looks very bad, first and foremost a tragic loss of life, but cant help fearing for our chances of getting to game next week.

[MacBean]

Think it was mentioned on another thread but a minutes silence before the game would be a good gesture IMO.

I'm sure if someone at the club was to organise a collection on the night of the game people would be happy to donate as well. Appreciate that would probably take a bit organising though.

definitely think this is a good idea.

Facebook campaigns tend to work for this kind of thing, along with Leanne and Hibs' twitter

[BullsCloseHibs]

Considering that people have lost their lives, we can put this into perspective.
People might not get to fly out, but they will have their health.

100% agree.

[St Pauli Hibee]

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has declared 3 days of national mourning for those killed in the wildfires

[H18 SFR]

Latest update is absolutely horrific in terms of the loss of life and devastation of property and belongings.

This comment shouldn't be taken as disrespectful, but do we think the game might be at risk?

[hibee316]

Think it was mentioned on another thread but a minutes silence before the game would be a good gesture IMO.

I'm sure if someone at the club was to organise a collection on the night of the game people would be happy to donate as well. Appreciate that would probably take a bit organising though.

Great idea!

[St Pauli Hibee]

FOREIGN OFFICE:


"Summary - on 23 and 24 July, there have been wildfires in a number of areas in southern Greece, including close to Athens; they have been confined to limited areas, but within those the impact has been high, with significant loss of life; most visits to Greece, including to Athens, are unaffected; you should keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of the Greek authorities in affected areas; if you’ve been affected by the wildfires and need consular assistance, you can call the British Embassy in Athens on +30 210 7272 600; if you’re in the UK and worried about a British national in Greece, call the FCO on 020 7008 1500"

By my reckoning the authorities may well by getting a hold on things, or at least makings strides towards it. Also in the last 30mins Germany, Italy & Croatia have offered help by means of Planes, Helicopters, Paramedics & specialist burns doctors to help aid the injured


It has been mentioned on one of the other threads that Asteras players will be playing with black armbands on Thursday night to commemorate those who have lost their lives during the wildfires. And as I stated on the other thread the Minutes Silence/Applause will be the least we can do on Thursday to share our condolences to those involved.

[franks]

If there is to be respect shown to those who have died then it must be a minutes silence in this case. The main reason for applause is to stop idiots spoiling a silence and on this instance I am 100% certain all Hibs fans will respect the silence. Applause has also been more prevalent in recent years to celebrate an individual which is not the case here.

[theonlywayisup]

If there is to be respect shown to those who have died then it must be a minutes silence in this case. The main reason for applause is to stop idiots spoiling a silence and on this instance I am 100% certain all Hibs fans will respect the silence. Applause has also been more prevalent in recent years to celebrate an individual which is not the case here.

:agree:

[BullsCloseHibs]

Hibs have to respect those lost and I'm sure we will.

[Delboy4]

News update say the fatality is now around 74.

Thoughts go out to them

[Lancs Harp]

The pictures on the news tonight look terrible.

Poor people.

In our thoughts and prayers.

[LustForLeith]

If there is to be respect shown to those who have died then it must be a minutes silence in this case. The main reason for applause is to stop idiots spoiling a silence and on this instance I am 100% certain all Hibs fans will respect the silence. Applause has also been more prevalent in recent years to celebrate an individual which is not the case here.

100 per cent this

[Sir David Gray]

If there is to be respect shown to those who have died then it must be a minutes silence in this case. The main reason for applause is to stop idiots spoiling a silence and on this instance I am 100% certain all Hibs fans will respect the silence. Applause has also been more prevalent in recent years to celebrate an individual which is not the case here.

There's no way an applause should be held under these circumstances. Depending on the culture in Greece towards these things, having an applause might even cause more offence than anything else.

I'm all for having a silence but definitely no applause please.

[Carheenlea]

News update say the fatality is now around 74.

Thoughts go out to them

Horrific.

[Onion]

There's no way an applause should be held under these circumstances. Depending on the culture in Greece towards these things, having an applause might even cause more offence than anything else.

I'm all for having a silence but definitely no applause please.

Jings, can't believe that's even being discussed. Applause would be ridiculous.

[Lago]

If there is to be respect shown to those who have died then it must be a minutes silence in this case. The main reason for applause is to stop idiots spoiling a silence and on this instance I am 100% certain all Hibs fans will respect the silence. Applause has also been more prevalent in recent years to celebrate an individual which is not the case here.
Spot on.

[blackpoolhibs]

Do the greeks do silences, or perhaps they do applause?

I'm sure the club will do their research and apply the appropriate one.

[Sir David Gray]

Jings, can't believe that's even being discussed. Applause would be ridiculous.

I've no idea if it's being discussed or not, I'm just replying to a post and agreeing that it has to be a silence or nothing.

[Keith_M]

I've no idea if it's being discussed or not, I'm just replying to a post and agreeing that it has to be a silence or nothing.


Agreed.


Applauding the deaths of dozens of people seems distasteful in the extreme.

[St Pauli Hibee]

I must put the record straight that at no point did I mean applauding the deaths of any people this has obviously been seriously misunderstood.

I totally agree that the silence is not only better in this instance but in my opinion is better full stop for anything that requires a moment of remembrance

[Albanian Hibs]

Don't mean to sound insensitive bit I know some Hibees are starting their journeys to Greece this weekend. I wonder if anything official from the clubs will be released with regards to the game going ahead, travel disruption, etc. Heard some flights to Athens have been diverted due to the smoke.

[Sir David Gray]

Don't mean to sound insensitive bit I know some Hibees are starting their journeys to Greece this weekend. I wonder if anything official from the clubs will be released with regards to the game going ahead, travel disruption, etc. Heard some flights to Athens have been diverted due to the smoke.

From what I've read I don't think the game will be in any doubt whatsoever unless things rapidly deteriorate over the coming days. Flights to Athens seem to be more or less operating at normal levels.

[sauzee6_2]

Agreed.


Applauding the deaths of dozens of people seems distasteful in the extreme.

Surely not applauding their deaths, more applauding their lives?

Either way I am sure the clubs will make the correct decision.

[Sir David Gray]

Surely not applauding their deaths, more applauding their lives?

Either way I am sure the clubs will make the correct decision.

Holding an applause for the deaths of dozens of people who have lost their lives in a natural disaster like this is wholly inappropriate in my opinion.

I'm not even a fan of an applause when a 90 year old former player has passed away peacefully in their sleep so I definitely don't think it should be done here.

[basehibby]

Just back from Athens.

From what I can gather from talking with a family friend who is a native of Athens, the emergency is now expected to be over. It was basically down to freakishly strong and unpredictable winds combined with the hot dry conditions which are usual for Greece at this time of year. Rain is now predicted which is a relief to say the least!

As far as the game is concerned I would therefore not expect it will be affected barring some postponement as an act of mourning or similar - obviously the Hibs official site is the place for confirmation rather than a random fan like me, but I expect the tie will go ahead as planned.

However, a minute's silence and collection for the victims sounds like an excellent idea in the circumstances.

[Big_Franck]

Over 70 people now confirmed to have died in this. Surely be a minutes silence before the game on Thursday.

[Phil MaGlass]

Holding an applause for the deaths of dozens of people who have lost their lives in a natural disaster like this is wholly inappropriate in my opinion.

I'm not even a fan of an applause when a 90 year old former player has passed away peacefully in their sleep so I definitely don't think it should be done here.

Im a fan of the minutes applause, drowns out the ********s and guys coming in late to stadiums not realising theres a minutes silence. My Dutch club holds a minutes silence and applause regularly. In this instance a minutes silence is appropriate. Suppose it depends on the home crowd.

[HibbyDave]

The Greek government have declared three days of National Mourning. Any chance of the game being postponed?
I posted this on another thread then realised probably better on here.

[Albanian Hibs]

The Greek government have declared three days of National Mourning. Any chance of the game being postponed?
I posted this on another thread then realised probably better on here.

The away leg is 8 days away. Not sure why it would be cancelled?

Edit. Unless you were meaning tomorrows match.

[St Pauli Hibee]

The Greek government have declared three days of National Mourning. Any chance of the game being postponed?
I posted this on another thread then realised probably better on here.

I think that this is now a recovery effort rather than an ongoing problem, so the game shouldn't be in danger.

It is however concerning to find out that these fires may well have been started deliberately. If so I hope thy catch these obscene individuals and throw the book at them for what they have done

[jgl07]

Apparently it’s a standard Greek ploy by landowners of forested areas. Start fires to burn down the trees and the block on development is removed.