Greece Sees Who Their Friends & Allies Are

The fires seem to be under control in Greece but the carnage caused, will take years to recover from. Greece's friends and allies sent personnel, equipment and assistance. Its times like this that a country sees who their real allies and friends truly are. Below is the list of countries that helped [notice the distinct absence of their main ally - the USA]. Worldwide, countries and the Greek communities, are raising funds to help those affected. Once again - the USA government has remained silent.

Oh well - hopefully the US will not have another Hurricane Katrina [when Greece provided assistance] and ask Greece for help in some time in the future, for Greeks have a long good memory.

Countries that have offered Greece firefighting help:

_Austria: Two army helicopters, a transport plane and 20 firefighters.

_Cyprus: 14 firefighting vehicles, 88 firefighters, 29 civil defense personnel, 22 volunteers trained in firefighting and rescue.

_Czech Republic: One helicopter with five-member crew.

_Denmark: Six firefighting all-terrain vehicles that can climb steep slopes.

_Finland: Three helicopters and 25 firefighters.

_France: Four Canadair water-tanker planes and 60 specialist helicopter firefighters.

_Germany: Three CH-53 water-carrying helicopters. Authorities have also offered firefighting units, including experts in battling forest fires, and other equipment.

_Hungary: 18 firefighters, one doctor, two fire engines, backup equipment.

_Israel: 55 firefighters.

_Italy: One Canadair water-tanker plane.

_The Netherlands: Three Cougar firefighting helicopters and 27 crew.

_Norway: One Bell 214 firefighting helicopter.

_Portugal: One Canadair tanker plane, six personnel.

_Romania: One MI-17 helicopter with a nine crew.

_Russia: Two heavy firefighting helicopters, two Mi-8 helicopters and a multifunctional amphibian plane.

_Slovenia: One water-carrying helicopter.

_Spain: Two Canadair tanker planes.

_Switzerland: Four Super Puma water-carrying helicopters.

_Turkey: One tanker plane.

Greece Burns, The Gods Weep

Melodramatic the title, maybe. But one of the most beautiful countries in the world that has given so much to civilisation, is currently gripped in a plethora of fires. Many have died, lost the homes, lost loved ones and more.
I haven't seen anything in the press regarding donations to help the victims, but if you can spare some cash, contact your local Greek Embassy and see how you can help.

List of embassies are listed here: http://www.hellas-guide.com/about_greece/greek_embassies.html

Map of the fires

To see satellite photos, check out NASA's website here


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