Thousands of tourists and residents fleeing a forest fire on the Greek island of Rhodes gathered in schools and shelters today, Sunday, with some being evacuated by private boats from the beaches as the flames posed a threat to resorts and coastal villages. Thousands spent the night on the beaches and in the streets. Some tourism companies, such as "Get2," "TUI," and "Corendon," canceled flights to Rhodes, which is located southeast of mainland Greece and is known for its warm seas and archaeological sites.
The fire caused trees to char and turn black, while dead animals lay on the roads next to burned cars. The fire department reported that 19,000 people were moved from their homes and the hotels where they were staying, describing it as Greece's largest safe evacuation of residents and tourists.
Fires in Greece are common, but hotter summers have increased their frequency in recent years, potentially due to climate change. Coast guard ships and private boats evacuated more than three thousand tourists from the beaches today, nearly a week after the forest fire broke out in southeastern Rhodes. Many rushed to leave their hotels as flames reached the villages of Kiotari, Gennadi, Pefki, Lindos, Lardos, and Malona near the sea.
Individuals gathered in large groups in the streets under a smoke-filled sky, as thick smoke rose over the deserted beaches. The Deputy Mayor of Rhodes, Thanasis Verenis, told Mega TV that there are around four to five thousand people staying in temporary accommodations, urging donations of essentials like mattresses and sheets. Among the tourists on Rhodes were visitors from France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Britain. A hotel manager noted that the island can accommodate 150,000 visitors at peak times, while its population is about 125,000.
More than 250 firefighters, supported by 18 aircraft, established barriers to combat the flames and protect a dense forest and other residential areas from the fire's reach. The civil protection agency warns of extremely high chances of wildfires today in almost half of Greece, with temperatures expected to reach 45 degrees Celsius. Heatwaves affecting Southern Europe and many parts of the world may continue until August.
