The island of Rhodes in Greece is facing a crisis as thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes and hotels due to raging wildfires, making it the most challenging situation the Greek fire service is currently dealing with. The Greek coastguard and private boats are assisting in evacuating people from the beaches on the eastern side of the island, a popular tourist destination. The fires have caused damage to hotels, with three hotels in the Kiotari area reportedly affected.
No injuries have been reported so far, and the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection in Greece assures that visitors are being evacuated safely from affected areas, which represent less than 10% of the island’s tourist capacity. They are being redirected to other hotels on Rhodes to ensure their safety.
The situation is dire, with firefighters facing the difficulty of strong winds and rapidly changing fire directions, forcing some teams to temporarily withdraw and reposition. Despite the efforts of firefighters from Slovakia who have arrived to assist the local teams, the fires continue to pose a significant threat.
“The situation in Rhodes is serious and extremely difficult. Due to the strong wind and quickly changing direction of the fire, firefighters had to withdraw and move,” Slovak Fire and Rescue Services wrote on Facebook.
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As the country faces further intense heat, with temperatures expected to reach as high as 45°C (113°F), authorities warn of a very high risk of new blazes. The Greek fire service, together with international assistance, is working tirelessly to control the fires and protect residents and tourists alike.
In response to the ongoing heatwave, people are advised to stay at home, and tourist sites, including the iconic Athens’ ancient Acropolis, will be closed during the hottest parts of the next two days. Greece, along with several other European countries, has experienced an extended period of extreme heat, creating challenging conditions for firefighting efforts.
The wildfires come at a crucial time for Greece’s tourism industry, as it experiences peak tourist season. Travel companies, such as TUI and Jet2, are taking precautions by relocating affected customers to alternative accommodations and advising them to follow local guidance.
As the situation unfolds, Greek authorities, firefighting teams, and international partners are working tirelessly to combat the fires and safeguard lives and properties in the affected regions.
