Greek PM apologizes for wildfire response

As fires burned unabated in many parts Greece for a seventh day..

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Monday went on television to apologize for failures in tackling the devastating wildfires that have sent thousands of people fleeing – destroying homes and businesses as well as huge swaths of forest land…

"The extent of the destruction, especially in Evia and in Attica, blackens all of our hearts, and I am the first to apologize for whatever weaknesses existed. I completely understand the pain of our citizens, who saw their houses and property burning, the upheaval of having to abruptly leave their homes."

The biggest front was on Evia, Greece's second-biggest island located just off the mainland east of Athens.

Strong winds on Monday fueled flare-ups on Evia after appearing to ease earlier in the day.

Water-bombing aircraft struggled to operate because of the large plumes of smoke blanketing the area, authorities said.

The fires broke out last week during Greece's worst heatwave in three decades, with searing temperatures and dry heat causing tinder box conditions.

There has been growing public anger at delays and breakdowns in the government's response.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside of the parliament building in Athens on Monday:

PROTESTER, NIKOS LOUTOS: "We are protesting against the government that has let all the country burn, because they put profits before people. We are protesting because they give millions for buying warplanes and paying for the police and not for the fire brigade."

Prime Minister Mitsotakis – in his televised address- promised that mistakes would be identified and rectified and - called for unity.

Almost 1,000 firefighters, nine aircraft and 200 vehicles have been sent to Greece from other European countries to help with the wildfires.

In addition, Greece said on Monday it was expecting two aircraft from Turkey and an additional plane from Russia.

More than 2,000 residents and tourists have been evacuated by ferry since last Tuesday… the images captured them departing against the backdrop of a dark red sky.