Athens, August 03 (QNA) - Wildfires that broke out on the Greek island of Kefalonia forced residents to evacuate their homes as the flames spread dangerously close to residential areas, while aircraft conducted water-dropping missions over the island in the Ionian Sea.

In a statement, the Greek Fire Service said the blaze had also spread in the western Attica region near the capital, Athens, advancing toward residential neighborhoods and an industrial area outside the city of Megara. Strong winds prevented firefighting aircraft from scooping up water from the sea.

Around 500 firefighters and 23 aircraft were deployed, but powerful winds drove the flames through the dry forests, hampering firefighting efforts.

Authorities ordered the evacuation of residents as thick smoke billowed over the mountains. Fire crews also expressed particular concern about the coastal town of Porto Germeno. (QNA)