Greece has launched a massive evacuation effort to help thousands of people and tourists flee the Greek island of Rhodes after massive wildfires. As per the reports, a massive wildfire ravaged the Greek island of Rhodes, and forced hundreds of tourists to leave their hotels, while those caught up in the flames had to face chaotic and terrifying scenes. Also, many were forced to evacuate on foot or by other means after being ordered to do so.
Reportedly, wildfire has been blazing since Tuesday in the centre and southern regions of Rhodes, which is also a popular tourist place. It is the biggest of several fires that have broken out in Greece, which is linked to the heat wave, whereas experts also predict that it will end up being the nation’s longest on record.
The local fire department has been quoted as saying the nearby Kiotari and Lardos, not far from the Lindos archaeological site, is also where the fire is currently raging. As of now, the site has not been ravaged yet.
To accommodate evacuees in need, schools, hotels, sports facilities, and conference centres have been set up in secure areas of the island.
Apart from the Rhodes Islands, there have been reports that a wildfire also broke out on Greece’s second-largest island, Evia, and Corfu, which is also popular among foreign tourists.
A rescue operation is further underway at Nissaki beach on the northeast of the island as six coastguard vessels and seven private boats had already taken 59 people off the beach.
Reason behind the wildfire
- Greece has been witnessing extreme heat and fires for nearly a week on Rhodes, with winds of up to 49 km per hour, and efforts to bring flames under control is turning out to be difficult.
- Reports add that as many as 30,000 people have been evacuated.
- With regard to the evacuation, the police added that the authorities had transported around 16,000 people across land, and evacuated 3,000 by sea, whereas others had to flee by road.
- Reportedly, German travel giant Tui has gone ahead and suspended all its inbound passenger flights to Rhodes, but added that it would send empty planes to help evacuate tourists.
- Authorities warned that it might take several days to contain the flames as more than 260 firefighters were battling to bring the fire under control.
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