In a devastating turn of events, Greece’s picturesque holiday destinations have been engulfed in massive wildfires, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee for their lives. The situation has resulted in the country’s largest-ever wildfire evacuation, leaving tourists and locals alike scrambling to safety. Rhodes, a beloved island known for its stunning beaches and historical charm, bore the brunt of the raging fires. As flames spread relentlessly, authorities were left with no choice but to evacuate a staggering 30,000 people from the island.
The firefighting efforts were severely hampered by strong winds, reaching speeds of up to 49 kilometers (31 miles) per hour, making it challenging to control the inferno. Not limited to Rhodes, other Greek islands faced similar peril. Corfu, a favorite among foreign tourists, was also battling its own wildfires. A rescue operation was launched at Nissaki beach in Corfu’s northeast, with coastguard vessels and private boats working tirelessly to evacuate 59 people to safety.
Evia, Greece’s second-largest island located in the eastern coast, was not spared either. A wildfire erupted, adding to the already dire situation and stretching firefighting resources thin. The peak tourism season added an additional layer of complexity to the crisis, as tourists from various countries, including the UK, Germany, and France, sought to return home amid the chaos. Travel giants like Tui and Jet2 suspended inbound passenger flights to Rhodes, but they stepped up to aid evacuation efforts by sending empty planes to transport stranded tourists.
Greek authorities, supported by international assistance from countries like Croatia, France, Slovakia, and Turkey, deployed over 260 firefighters to combat the spreading infernos. Despite the valiant efforts, officials warned that it could take several days to bring the situation under control, given the scale of the fires. In response to the crisis, the Greek foreign ministry and embassies set up a dedicated station at Rhodes airport, providing assistance and support to distressed tourists, many of whom faced uncertainty and disruption to their travel plans.
The ongoing heatwave has intensified the fire risk across Greece, exacerbating the challenges faced by firefighters and emergency responders. As the situation continues to unfold, the priority remains on safeguarding human lives and preserving the islands’ natural beauty and cultural heritage. The world watches in solidarity with Greece as it battles this unprecedented wildfire outbreak, hoping for the swift containment of the flames and the eventual restoration of the beloved holiday destinations.