Wildfire Devastates Central Greek Region

A wildfire fueled by strong winds surged uncontrollably in the Corinth area of Greece. Hundreds of firefighters and aircraft attempted to control the blaze near Xylokastro. Authorities reported two fatalities and evacuated several villages.

A wildfire fanned by strong winds raged uncontrolled on a rugged mountainous area in the central Greek region of Corinth early on Monday, the fire brigade said.

Hundreds of firefighters assisted by nine aircraft battled the blaze which broke out on Sunday near the seaside town of Xylokastro on the Peloponnese peninsula, some 120 km (75 miles) west of Athens.

Authorities have found the bodies of two people, the Greek Citizen's Protection Ministry said. Residents of several nearby villages were told to evacuate on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies.)