LISBON, 24 July (Xinhua) -- The Portuguese Government deeply regrets on Tuesday the loss of dozens of lives in the deadly forest fires near Greek capital Athens, which have killed at least 74 people.

The Portuguese government expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the victims in the fires, the government said in a statement.

Portuguese government, through the Embassy in Athens, has been in contact with the Greek authorities, in order to follow the situation and expresses its full solidarity with the Greek people and government, the statement concluded.

The Greek authorities confirmed that at least 74 people have been killed in the huge forest fires near Athens, and 187 others injured, including 23 children.