The crisis at the Holy Monastery of St. Catherine in Sinai risks being further inflamed by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem’s recent show of pride, following a delegation’s visit to the site.

The situation remains critical in Western Greece where fires that started on Tuesday have escalated. Early Wednesday, a new fire broke out in Kefalonia's Atheras area, while another fire erupted in Megara near Athens. Authorities report that around 4,850 firefighters are battling the blazes across the country.

The National Emergency Call Center (EKAB) has treated 62 people for smoke inhalation and minor burns, reflecting the intensity and danger of the ongoing fires.

Evacuations and Emergency Measures

Authorities have issued continuous evacuation alerts via the 112 emergency system in Achaia, Zakynthos, Chios, Preveza, Arta, Aetolia-Acarnania, and Volvi. In Achaia, the town of Kato Achaia is being evacuated, with 7,500 residents relocated towards Pyrgos in Elia. The health center in Kato Achaia has also been evacuated.

In Preveza, the fire fronts stretch over 30 kilometers, causing severe destruction to villages such as Agios Georgios and Pantanassa. Residents are deeply worried about their homes and livelihoods, while local infrastructure, including power supplies, has been severely impacted. Explosions from LPG tanks and livestock facilities have been reported, adding to the chaos.

On the island of Chios, the villages of Amani and Volissos have been completely evacuated. Hundreds of locals and visitors have sought refuge with relatives or in temporary shelters provided by the municipality. The damage there is extensive, affecting homes, farms, livestock facilities, and vehicles. Firefighting efforts include over 80 firefighters, several fire trucks, and support from the Coast Guard and naval vessels, which have assisted in evacuations by sea.

Firefighting Efforts and Support

A total of 152 fires have broken out across Greece in the past 48 hours, prompting the country to request assistance from the European Civil Protection Mechanism. Four firefighting aircraft have been deployed to support ground teams.

In Achaia, the most challenging fire front, authorities continue battling fiercely to protect populated areas and critical infrastructure. Several schools and public buildings, including a primary school in Vounteni, have been destroyed.

Meanwhile, the fire in Megara, Athens, has been brought under control, with only small isolated flames remaining due to swift action by firefighters.

Weather and Risk

Strong winds continue to fan the flames, especially in the Peloponnese, Western Greece, Central Greece, Attica, Euboea, the Cyclades, and Crete. Forecasts warn of very high fire risk across several regions today, urging residents to remain vigilant and follow official instructions.

The news of the double murder of 39-year-old Greek-Australian woman Athina Georgopoulou and her 50-year-old partner, Andrew Gunn, on Monday night has shocked Australia, with authorities arresting 34-year-old homeless Ross Judd.

"A headwind" continues to blow on the Greek stock market, which is on track to set a multi-year record for the seventh consecutive day. The General Index yesterday exceeded the 2,100-point mark for the first time in 15 years (March 2010) and today shows a willingness to "lock" its presence at these levels.

The climate in international markets is also favorable, as it is considered very likely that the Russia-Ukraine war will end. The three-month extension of the US-China trade truce is also working beneficially.

Specifically, in Tuesday's session (12/8), the General Index strengthened by +0.41% and is trading at 2,114.77 points, having so far moved between 2,109.38 (low of the day) and 2,121.60 points (high of the day). Metlen and Aegean are recording new strong gains today, both extending their historical records and approaching claims of 56 euros and 15 euros, respectively.

With the exception of the first session of August, Leoforos Athinon "sees" only positive signs within the current month, which will be the 10th consecutive upward one if the excellent image of the domestic market is maintained. Yesterday it recorded the 6th consecutive session of gains, having strengthened cumulatively by approximately +7.5%. This year's ATHEX performance exceeds +43%, with banks standing out by constantly renewing their multi-year records (10-year high – November 2015), while achieving an impressive +80.3% in 2025.

Trading activity remains strong, as the 100-day moving average exceeds 220 million euros, with investors remaining on the defensive despite the traditionally sluggish August.

The main sectoral indices of the ATHEX are trading at new multi-year highs. Banks are up +0.39% at 2,327.75 points (10-year record – November 2015), the FTSE 25 (large-cap) is up +0.47% at 5,333.73 points (14-year record – July 2011), while the Mid Cap is down -0.11% at 2,953.84 points, correcting slightly from its 16-year high.

The value of transactions amounts to 18.38 million euros, with Metlen PLC making a turnover of over 3 million euros. The market capitalization is 147.6 billion euros. The sign is positive for 54 stocks, negative for 31, while 19 securities remain unchanged.

Among systemic banks, Eurobank stands out with gains of +1.35% to 3.451 euros, followed by Piraeus (+0.14% to 7.354 euros) and Alpha Bank (+0.11% to 3.584 euros). National Bank remains unchanged at 13.07 euros. Among other banking stocks, CrediaBank continues its impressive course with a rally of +3.13% to 1.254 euros, Bank of Cyprus strengthens by +0.27% to 7.4 euros and Optima bank by +0.26% to 7.72 euros.

In high capitalization, Aegean "climbs" by +2.2% and Metlen follows at +2%. Coca-Cola HBC, Viohalco and ElvalHalcor follow with increases of around +1%. On the other hand, Jumbo is down -1% and EYDAP is down -0.8%.

In the mid-cap, Kri Kri stands out with gains of +2% and is trading above the historical record of 19 euros. Autohellas is up more than +1%. On the other hand, Profile is down -0.9%.

Waiting position on Wall Street – Upward trends in Europe
The main Wall Street indices are maintained near their historical highs, despite yesterday's mini-correction. The focus is on the critical data on inflation in the US, which are expected to determine -to a large extent- the Federal Reserve's next moves. Futures predict a start with subtle changes for today.

European stock markets are moving in positive territory, supported by the US decision to extend the suspension of tariffs on China for another 90 days. The pan-European Stoxx 600 recorded a gain of +0.3%, trading at 548 points. The main indices of the Old Continent are moving between +0.2% and +0.5%. In Asian markets, the Japanese Nikkei made an "explosive" rally, gaining +2.1%, or about 900 points, and marking a new historical record.