Greek PM visits wildfire-stricken town

After facing criticism over the government's response, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has met with survivors of a deadly wildfire that killed at least 91.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras

Greek PM Alexis Tsipras is facing recriminations over the government's wildfire response. (AAP)

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has met survivors of a wildfire that killed at least 91 people during his first visit to the town of Mati, after facing criticism for the government's response to the blaze.

Fires began a week ago in the coastal resort, 30km east of Athens.

Tsipras has been attacked by opposition parties for the government's handling of the disaster, which also left dozens injured.

Tsipras has accepted full political responsibility and pledged a series of changes, including a crackdown on illegal and haphazard construction that is thought to have worsened the blaze.

On Monday he spent around an hour in the area and met locals, firefighters and police officers, his office said in a statement.

"Today I visited the place of tragedy," Tsipras tweeted.

"(I have) untold grief but also immense respect for those who fought an uneven battle with the flames," he said.

A total of 25 people are still missing and 28 bodies have yet to be identified, the fire brigade said on Sunday.

Greeks were expected to gather outside parliament to light candles in memory of those who lost their lives later on Monday.

Tsipras' visit comes a week after the disaster and aides said that he had been busy coordinating the response from Athens. His coalition partner went to Mati on Thursday and was shouted at by survivors.


Share
2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world