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Fiery Trap: Raging Flames Around Greek Capital Claim 50 Lives (VIDEO)

© REUTERS / Costas BaltasFirefighters and soldiers fall back as a wildfire burns in the town of Rafina, near Athens, Greece, July 23, 2018
Firefighters and soldiers fall back as a wildfire burns in the town of Rafina, near Athens, Greece, July 23, 2018 - Sputnik International
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The Greek authorities have declared a state of emergency in some districts to the east and west of Athens as flames are moving to nearby seaside towns, while strong winds are preventing firefighters from coping with the disaster.

According to the Red Cross official reports, 26 people were found dead at a villa in the resort town of Mati, north-east of Athens, where extremely powerful blazes trapped people in their homes.

Over 600 firefighters and 300 vehicles are involved in the rescue operations. Spain and Cyprus have offered their help on the issue, as Athens has asked for assistance from the EU.

READ MORE: WATCH Horrific Fire Rage Out of Control in Greece Forcing People to Flee

According to the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, two Canadair firefighting planes will be sent in order to help Greece put out the disastrous blaze.

"Terrible news is coming from Greece. Spain has already activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to dispatch two amphibious aircraft to assist [Greece] in putting out the fire. I express solidarity with the Greek people," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote on Twitter.

The Greek Reporter news outlet previously stated that officials had confirmed the deaths of 24 people, while over 150 have been injured by allegedly the worst wildfires in more than a decade. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras addressed the situation, saying that "all emergency forces have been mobilized" to battle the flames along at least three fronts.

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