The largest of the Greek Islands, Crete, is facing a state of high alert as wildfires continue to ravage Greece and other Mediterranean regions. The situation has become critical, with authorities warning residents of an extreme risk of fire.

In response to the escalating wildfire crisis, the Greek Prime Minister is set to meet with senior government members to address the emergency situation. Evacuations have been ordered in various areas, with a recent evacuation in Corfu’s northern village of Loutses, instructing people to head towards Acharavi in the west.

The wildfire situation is not limited to Greece alone; other Mediterranean countries are also battling intense blazes. On the island of Rhodes, new fires have been reported near Gennadi and Vati in the south, while residents from Platanistos had to be evacuated at midnight, though the exact number of evacuees remains uncertain.

Wildfires in other Mediterranean regions

Algeria has also been affected, with fires claiming the lives of at least 34 people, including 10 soldiers, and prompting the evacuation of around 1,500 people. In Sicily, mountains and hills around Palermo were ablaze, leading to the closure of the airport due to scorching temperatures reaching up to 47°C. Similarly, wildfires swept through the town of Melloula in Tunisia.

The severity of the wildfires in the Mediterranean region is a cause for significant concern, with firefighting teams and authorities tirelessly working to contain the flames and protect communities at risk. The extreme weather conditions and strong winds have made the situation even more challenging, warranting constant vigilance and firefighting efforts to combat the spreading blazes.