Greek Coast Guard Rescues Tourists and Locals Trapped by Wildfires in Rhodes
Greek Coast Guard vessels have successfully evacuated hundreds of tourists and locals who were trapped in seaside villages on the island of Rhodes, which had been threatened by raging wildfires for the past five days. These individuals have been moved to safer parts of the island, ensuring their safety.
In addition to the Greek Coast Guard vessels, a Greek Navy warship is en route to join the rescue efforts, along with two army boats and 30 private vessels, according to a statement from the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard boats, accompanied by a helicopter, continue to patrol the area, ensuring the safety of those still in the vicinity.
According to a Coast Guard spokesman, Nikos Alexiou, approximately 2,000 people have been evacuated by sea from southeastern Rhodes. Although most individuals have already been rescued, the operation is ongoing. Furthermore, thousands of other people on the island have been relocated to other parts of Rhodes. George Hatzimarkos, the regional governor for the south Aegean, reported that around 7,500 people have been relocated to safer areas.
Rhodes is known for being one of Greece’s most popular summer vacation destinations, particularly for Britons who adore its long sandy coastlines and vibrant nightlife. The situation has caused chaos, as television footage shows tourists dragging their suitcases along the road, with locals assisting in transferring them to coastal areas using pickup trucks. Furthermore, people were seen standing on a beach, awaiting rescue boats with their suitcases.
Social media postings have revealed that many visitors had to flee their hotels without any possessions, with some still in their bathing suits. The deputy mayor of Rhodes, Konstantinos Taraslias, stated that some tourists have been transported to the island’s airport, while others have been taken to schools and stadiums. Temporary housing has been arranged at other hotels as well.
Among those affected are British playwright and screenwriter Paul Kalburgi and his family. They experienced a somewhat disorganized rescue effort as they moved from one hotel to another, with buses not arriving as instructed. At one point, the Red Cross intervened and advised them to get into a car since they had children.
It has been reported that at least three hotels have been damaged by the wildfires that have swept through Rhodes. This is just one of the hundreds of blazes that have broken out across Greece this week, fueled by dry conditions as a heatwave sweeps through the country. With temperatures predicted to reach 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in central Greece on Sunday, the fires pose a significant threat.
Fortunately, two large blazes, which had been burning for days west of Athens and in the southern Peloponnese peninsula, have been mostly contained, according to Greece’s fire service spokesman, Ioannis Artopios. However, the wildfire in Rhodes remains a challenge for firefighters due to intense heat, dry conditions, and strong winds. Mr. Artopios stated that it is the most difficult fire they are currently facing. Ground forces will continue battling the fires throughout the night, with aerial support resuming at first light on Sunday.
The Greek authorities are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected by the wildfires, and the evacuation efforts in Rhodes continue in full force.