Raptakis, Greek Orthodox Church seek to help victims of Greece fires

August 25, 2007 - 7:30PM

Rhode Island State Senator Leonidas Raptakis is raising funds for victims of uncontrolled fires that have killed dozens of people in southern Greece.

Raptakis is launching the effort together with the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Cranston.

At least 47 people were reported dead by Saturday afternoon.

Since yesterday morning, more than 170 blazes have been burning and dozens of new blazes have broken out Saturday.

Raptakis says he wanted to organize the Greek community in Rhode Island to provide financial support in the wake of the disaster.

He and Theofanis Markos, President of the Annunciation Church's Parish Council, have created a Hellenic Fire Relief Fund.

Raptakis is urging other Greek-American communities across the United States to help the victims.

Greek soldiers and military helicopters have been reinforcing firefighters.

But some village have been cut off by towering walls of flames.

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