Devastation as entire family found huddled together in Greece's wildfires

The village of Mali has been completely devastated by the blaze. Image: Metro.co.uk

More than 60-people have been killed by devastating wildfires near Athens

An entire family has been tragically killed in the wildfires that have struck resorts near the Greek capital, Athens, claiming the lives of more than 60 people - Metro.co.uk reports.

Rescuers discovered 26 bodies, including those of small children, huddled together at one holiday compound, some of them hugging.

What is even more devastating is the fact they were found just 30-metres away from the sea after being unable to find a route away from the fires in the village of Mati.

Fire brigade spokesman Stavroula Maliri said the intense winds caused a ‘sudden progression of fire’ through the village.

‘Mati no longer exists,’ said the mayor of nearby port town Rafina, Evangelos Bournous. It's reported that more than a thousand buildings and 300 cars have been damaged.

Many tourists and residents fled towards the coastline to escape the flames and choking smoke.

Authorities evacuated more than 700 people by sea overnight, said government minister Nektarios Santorinios, whose ministry is in charge of the coast guard. The two largest wildfires – one 20 miles north-east of Athens near Rafina, the other 30 miles west of the capital in Kineta – broke out on Monday during hot, dry summer conditions.

People seek refuge in the ocean as fire rages around them. Image Metro.co.uk

Three days of mourning

Meanwhile, the Greek Prime Minister has declared three days of mourning for the 60 people killed in the wildfires.

"The country is going through an unspeakable tragedy," PM Alexis Tsipras said in a televised address. "Today, Greece is mourning and we are declaring three days of national mourning in the memory of those who perished," he said.