State of emergency on Greek island due to wildfire

ATHENS, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- Greek authorities have declared a state of emergency on Evia Island, 80 km north of Athens, after a blaze broke out Sunday afternoon, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of villagers.

Giorgos Psaras, mayor of Dirfia and Messapies municipality, which was the hardest hit, told local Skai TV that arson was suspected.

Over 180 firemen battled to contain the fire, assisted by water-dropping helicopters, local fire service chief Vangelis Palios told Greek national news agency AMNA.

Greece mourned one of its deadliest tragedies in over a decade this year as 94 lives were lost in the July 23 wildfire in eastern Attica.