In a dramatic turn of events, the Greek island of Rhodes is facing an unprecedented emergency as wildfires threaten homes and hotels, prompting large-scale evacuations.
Thousands have been forced to flee as the fires, which have been burning for over a week, spread from the island’s mountainous interior to its coast.
On Saturday, more than 2,000 people were rescued from beaches as flames approached hotels and tourist areas. The situation has been exacerbated by strong winds, high temperatures, and dry conditions, which have propelled the fires toward the island’s central-eastern side.
Efforts to control the blaze have been hampered by the fire’s impact on road access, complicating the evacuation and firefighting operations.
Firefighters battle intense Rhodes blaze amid high winds and record-breaking temperatures this weekend.Emergency services are working around the clock to manage the crisis. Evacuees are being sheltered in gyms, schools, and conference centers across the island, while three passenger ferries have been deployed to accommodate those rescued.
Coastguard vessels and over 20 private boats are also assisting in evacuating stranded beachgoers near Kiotari and Lardos.
Firefighters, numbering over 200 and supported by 40 fire engines, five planes, and three helicopters, are engaged in a fierce battle against the flames.
Fire service spokesperson Vassilis Varthakogiannis warned that the fire could persist for days, given the challenging conditions and the six-mile firefront extending from the island’s center to its eastern beaches.
The Greek foreign ministry has activated its crisis management unit to aid foreign citizens affected by the fires.
Tui has reported some disruption to its hotels but is relocating customers to alternative accommodations, while Jet2 advises travelers to heed local guidance.
Meteorologists predict this weekend could be Greece’s hottest July in 50 years, with temperatures soaring up to 45°C, adding to the severity of the situation.