Thousands Evacuated from Greek Island of Rhodes Due to Wildfires
Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate their homes and hotels on the Greek island of Rhodes as wildfires continue to rage. The country’s fire service has described the fires as the most difficult it is currently facing. The island has been battling wildfires since Tuesday, fueled by strong winds and a heatwave in Europe.
More than 2,000 people have been moved by sea to a safer location, according to estimates. The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection in Greece has reported no injuries. Visitors in affected areas of Rhodes, which represent less than 10% of the island’s tourist accommodation, are being safely evacuated and redirected to other hotels on the island.
Firefighters and helicopters are working to contain the fires, with three hotels in the Kiotari area reported to have been damaged. The areas of Laerma, Lardos, and Asklipio have also been affected. Private boats and Greek navy vessels are assisting in the evacuation efforts.
The situation on the island has been described as serious and extremely difficult. Deputy fire chief Ioannis Artophios said a ferry is available to accommodate people, while others are being housed at an indoor stadium. However, some tourists have expressed frustration and concern about the lack of assistance and resources available to them.
The wildfires in Rhodes are part of a larger crisis in Greece, as dozens of wildfires continue to burn across the country. The heatwave is expected to intensify, with meteorologists warning that temperatures could reach as high as 45C (113F). Authorities have advised people to stay home, and tourist sites, including Athens’ ancient Acropolis, will be closed during the hottest parts of the next two days.
The latest heatwave comes at a busy time for Greece’s tourism industry, which has already been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Travel companies TUI and Jet2 have been relocating customers to alternative accommodations as a precaution.
As the fires continue to pose a threat, firefighters from Slovakia have arrived on Rhodes to assist local teams. The situation remains challenging, with authorities warning of a high risk of new blazes as the heatwave persists.
If you have been affected by the fires in Rhodes and it is safe to do so, you can share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
What measures are being taken by the Greek Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection to prevent casualties as the wildfires on Rhodes persist?
Casualties so far, but several buildings and properties have been destroyed by the flames.
The wildfires on the island of Rhodes have been a cause for concern since Tuesday, as strong winds and a heatwave have exacerbated the situation. The country’s fire service has described these fires as the most challenging it currently faces, indicating the magnitude of the crisis.
As a result of the escalating danger, thousands of residents and tourists have been compelled to evacuate their homes and hotels in order to secure their safety. More than 2,000 people have been transported by sea to a safer location, as estimated by authorities.
Despite the best efforts of firefighters and emergency response teams, several buildings and properties have already succumbed to the ferocious flames. The extent of the damage is continually being assessed, and it is unclear when the situation will be brought under control.
The Greek Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has stated that there have been no reported casualties thus far. However, the ongoing wildfires pose a significant threat to the island’s residents, and the situation remains precarious. Efforts are being made to contain and extinguish the fires, but a combination of challenging weather conditions and the unpredictable nature of wildfires makes the task complex and arduous.
The government and emergency services are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the affected population and to minimize the damage caused by the fires. Evacuation procedures and emergency aid are being provided to those in need, while firefighters from across the country are joining forces to battle the raging wildfires.
As the wildfires on Rhodes continue to rage, the local community and tourists anxiously await updates and hope for a swift resolution to this disaster.
It’s devastating to hear about the wildfires forcing tourists to evacuate from the beautiful Greek Island of Rhodes. Hoping for everyone’s safety and that the fire gets quickly contained. Remembering fondly the island’s stunning landscapes and hoping for a speedy recovery. #PrayForRhodes