In July 2023 Southern Europe was battling extreme heat. Temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius with consequences endangering the health of people and the environment in countries such as France, Spain and Italy.

In Greece, the situation was particularly tense: Large wildfires had been raging near Athens and on Rhodes, and  difficult to  contain. Firefighters, civil protection, firefighting planes, and helicopters had been working tirelessly. The Greek authorities received support from the EU.

The Order of Malta network was also observing the situation with concern. A joint emergency assessment team was on Rhodes to analyse the situation and the need for assistance in close cooperation with the local authorities. Two experts from Malteser International assisted the Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the Hellenic Republic, H.E. Luca Rovati, and his team.

The Embassy coordinated teams from Malteser International, the Italian Military Corps SMOM and volunteers from Athens to assist the population and provide support to the fire brigade.