The leader of the Evangelical Alliance in Greece asks to “pray for our government to take the needed steps and pass the right laws in order to protect both the beautiful environment of our country, and the people and their property”.

It is estimated that around 3,500 hectares were affected by the fire. “Part of our task is to bring consolation, truth and hope to the people”, the local evangelical pastor says.

European Union data shows that July 2019 was warmer than record-breaking July 2016. “It will worsen in the future without urgent climate action”, the World Meteorological Organization says.

“A lot of people are blaming the State, blaming God”, says a Christian in the region. “Please pray for the country”.

Many were trapped in zones of difficult access in East Attica, near Athens. Dozens went into the sea to escape the flames. Christian organisations in the region are offering help.

One third of the world now faces seasons of extreme heat. “For heat waves, our options are now between bad or terrible”, study says.