Greece Moves 19,000 People to Safety as Wildfires Ravage Rhodes
RHODES, Greece – Thousands of tourists and residents were forced to evacuate the Greek island of Rhodes as wildfires continue to devastate the region. Flames threatened resorts and coastal villages, prompting the largest safe transport of residents and tourists in emergency conditions.
Over 19,000 individuals were moved from their homes and hotels overnight as the fires, which have been burning since Wednesday, intensified and reached coastal areas. Tourists and locals alike sought refuge in schools, shelters, beaches, and even on private boats to escape the escalating danger.
The popular holiday destination, known for its picturesque beaches and historic sites, experienced a massive surge in evacuees. Tour operators Jet2, TUI, and Correndon even canceled flights leaving for Rhodes due to the perilous conditions.
“It was like going from paradise to hell,” said Chris Freestone, a British tourist who walked for miles in scorching heat to find safety. The fires left a trail of destruction, with trees reduced to blackened skeletons and dead animals littering the roads.
Climate change has exacerbated the heat waves gripping Greece, making wildfires more frequent and intense. Temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) have been recorded throughout the country over the past week. Fires have also been reported on the islands of Evia, Corfu, and in Aigio, southwest of Athens.
The fires on Rhodes have affected 10% of the hotels in the central and southeast parts of the island, while the north and western areas remain unaffected. Fortunately, the government has managed to bring the fires under control in most areas.
Coastguard vessels and private boats carried more than 3,000 stranded tourists from the beaches, with locals stepping in to help transport people to safety. Amidst the chaos, stories of generosity emerged, as shop owners refused payment for water and food, and small boats prioritized the evacuation of women and children.
However, not all tourists were able to escape the island in time. Pawel Kozlowski from Warsaw arrived on Rhodes on Sunday afternoon and witnessed the aftermath of the fires in Kiotari. “It looks like a war zone,” he described, as burnt cars and damaged structures lined the streets.
More than 250 firefighters, assisted by 18 aircraft, continue to battle the wildfires and establish firebreaks to protect residential areas and the dense forest. Efforts to contain the fires are ongoing, as authorities work tirelessly to keep the situation under control.
As the Greek government sets up assistance programs for those who have lost important travel documents, tourists are urged to exercise caution and reconsider their travel plans to the affected areas. The impact of these devastating wildfires serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the effects of climate change before more lives are at risk and more paradises turn to hell.
Reporting by Fedja Gruolvic in Rhodes, Renee Maltezou and Angeliki Koutantou in Athens; Additional reporting by Elizabeth Piper and Hollie Adams in London, Christoph Steitz in Frankfurt, Andi Kranz in Cologne, Mathieu Rosemain in Paris and Justyna Pawkak in Warsaw; Writing by Frank Jack Daniel; Editing by Barbara Lewis, Frances Kerry, and Chris Reese.