GREECE: Greece experienced a devastating wildfire problem, causing widespread destruction and evacuations. The island of Corfu experienced beach abandonment, and thousands of vacationers were stuck at the airport in Rhodes, hoping to escape the flames. Officials ordered evacuations from affected districts, and thousands of vacationers were stuck at the airport in Rhodes, hoping to escape the flames.
Wildfires on Rhodes have been burning since Wednesday, causing around 19,000 people to leave their homes over the weekend. The fire is close to beach resorts on the island’s southeast coast. Corfu, a popular tourist destination, and Rhodes, known for its Mediterranean charm, are also affected.
Konstantinos Taraslias, the deputy mayor of Rhodes, expressed concern about the ongoing fire’s destruction and its potential for containment. Tourists were forced to sleep on the airport floor while waiting for repatriation planes.
Tour companies like Jet2, TUI, and Corendon cancelled flights to Rhodes. British airline easyJet plans to operate repatriation flights, while Ryanair confirmed normal flights to and from Rhodes.
On Corfu, 59 people were rescued from a beach after water evacuations were initiated due to flames from fires. The island’s hilly terrain was consumed by flames, causing dangerous conditions on the ground, a viral video depicts.
Tourists had to walk miles in scorching heat for safety. The fires left a path of devastation, with burned-out cars, dead animals, and scorched trees. Emergency services are required to act quickly and effectively due to the seriousness of the situation.
Greece experiences frequent summer wildfires due to climate change, causing more severe and frequent occurrences. Firefighters and rescue teams face increased obstacles due to Southern Europe’s intense heat waves, increasing fire risk.
Temperatures have reached over 40 degrees Celsius, and forecasts indicate continued sweltering heat. Wildfires are causing problems for emergency services on Evia and Aigio islands.
The resilience of the Greek government, firefighters, and emergency responders remained unshakable as they maintained their valiant efforts to battle the fires and protect lives and property in the face of the enormous obstacles posed by these wildfires.
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