July was said to be the hottest month ever recorded.

Judging from the temperatures that have been striking Greece for days, and the entire South Mediterranean – and indeed parts of America, China, and elsewhere – it seems to be the case. The hottest month ever recorded!!!

It is a serious event with inconceivable consequences for us, but mainly for future generations.

What is certain is that during these days, life in Athens was unbearable, with temperatures rising above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) bringing suffocating air, scorching asphalt, and the endless noisy little motorcycles creating a tense atmosphere.

And not unexpectedly, as it has been happening for so many years, fires broke out once again in various areas of the country. How and why remains to be clarified – still.

This phenomenon is not just happening in Greece, however. Look at what is happening in the United States, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, and so on.

But it hurts much more when it’s not your neighbor’s house burning, but your own. In some areas, like Rhodes, the destruction is of biblical proportions.

Unfortunately, the authorities did not rise to the occasion. On the contrary, it was the local residents who fought with whatever means they had for their properties and for the honor of the country. They hosted tourists at their own expense, bought blankets and food, and offered their cars and boats, receiving their gratitude.

Did tourism in Rhodes survive? I don’t think so for this year.

But the honor of Rhodes’ inhabitants was saved, and with their sense of pride, they laid the foundations to attract tourists again in the future.

Beyond Rhodes, particular interest and concern are caused by the fire that reached the Karamba military base – about 6 kilometers north of the airbase of Nea Anchialos – in Thessaly’s Magnesia region, near the city of Volos … the fire caused explosions in the ammunition depots!

The concern was such that the Air Force had to remove the F-16 fighter jets that were housed in the area. Things, in other words, incomprehensible and unimaginable.

The Minister of Defense ordered an investigation and stated that “if there are responsibilities, they will be accounted for. In full.”
However, it seems that he exempts himself.