Record-breaking evacuation in Greece as tourists escape Rhodes wildfires
Athens (Greece), July 24: Greece witnessed its largest-ever evacuation effort when a massive wildfire struck the island of Rhodes on Sunday, compelling hundreds of tourists to evacuate from their hotels, as per reports in CNN.
As the wildfire raged through the central and southern regions of Rhodes, a popular destination among tourists, those trapped in the flames described scenes of chaos and terror. Others were compelled to evacuate on foot or using alternative means after receiving evacuation orders since Tuesday.
The wildfire in Rhodes is the largest among several fires that have erupted in Greece during a heatwave, according to CNN reports. Experts predict that this ongoing heatwave could potentially become the nation's longest-lasting on record. The operation, which the government referred to as "the largest such effort Greece has ever seen," involved the transportation of 16,000 persons—tourists and locals—by land and 3,000 by sea.
CNN quoted the local fire department stating that at present, firefighters are focusing their efforts on three active fronts in the middle and southern regions of the island.
The fire is currently raging near Kiotari and Lardos, which are situated close to the Lindos archaeological site. So far, there has been no reported threat to the site. Notably, Lindos is not only an archaeological site but also a fishing village and a former municipality on the beautiful island of Rhodes in the Dodecanese region of Greece.
In order to accommodate evacuees in need, hotels, schools, sports facilities, and conference centres have been set up in secure areas of the island.
- ANI
