Greek authorities declared a state of emergency after wildfires broke out across southern parts of the country. Parts of the city of Patras were evacuated as hundreds of residents fled from the fires. The city's unviersity and horse boarding stables were evacuated, as well as five villages surrounding the city.

Fire-fighters are currently battling the blaze, that has so far claimed no victims. 67 people were killed in chaotic wildfires in the region of the Peloponnese Peninsula in 2007.

Wildfires also continue to rage across Tenerife after fires broke out their yesterday, threatening the popular El Teide national park that spans the centre of the Canary island.

Written by Alfred Joyner