Struggle for survivors of fire trying to return to normalcy

Survivors of last month's deadly blazes on the outskirts of Attica are struggling to cope while experts are warning of the public health risks posed by toxic ash in the afflicted areas, Kathimerini has learned. 

As residents continue to return to the coastal settlements of Mati and Neos Voutzas, which bore the brunt of last month's disastrous wildfires, it has emerged that many survivors, including elderly people, have lost their health booklets and that many are confused and in need of psychological support that the state is not systematically offering, with the onus falling on nongovernment organizations. 

"The people coming to us are very emotional and confused," according to Alexandra Michailidou of Doctors of the World, which has a mobile unit in Rafina, an area also struck by the fires. 

The ordeal also appears to have taken its toll on members of the police...