Over 5,000 lightning strikes recorded across Greece

Satellite data from Meteosat-12 registered 5,208 strikes over land and another 96 at sea. The storms brought heavy rainfall to parts of Central Greece, Eastern Macedonia and Thessaly.

Authorities believe lightning was the cause of two wildfires — one in Megalopolis, Arcadia, and another in Filiates, Thesprotia. In Arcadia, 37 firefighters, two ground teams, 10 engines, two aircraft and a helicopter were deployed. In Thesprotia, the response involved 22 firefighters, a ground team, five engines, two aircraft and a helicopter. Neither blaze posed a threat to homes.

In total, 54 wildfires broke out nationwide over the past 24 hours. Forty were contained quickly, while 14 remain active as investigators probe their causes.