The wildfires on the island of Rhodes have triggered an unprecedented evacuation operation in Greece as the fire continues to rage for six days. Authorities have evacuated around 30,000 people from the affected areas, making it the largest fire evacuation in Greek history. The situation remains challenging as the fire spreads rapidly due to strong winds in the southeastern part of the island, known for its beautiful beaches and ancient ruins.
Coastguard vessels and private boats have been utilized to transport more than 2,000 tourists from beaches as the flames approached coastal villages such as Kiotari, Gennadi, Pefki, Lindos, Lardos, and Kalathos. The terrifying sight of huge flames has prompted large groups of people to seek safety on the streets under a smoke-filled red sky.
The scale of the evacuation effort is significant, with approximately 4,000 to 5,000 individuals currently accommodated in various facilities. The government has reported that around 19,000 people have been relocated from their homes and hotels, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. Tui, a major travel company, has suspended all inbound passenger flights to Rhodes, impacting tourist arrivals.
Volunteers are tirelessly fighting the wildfire, trying to contain it as it encroaches upon Lindos, a popular tourist site known for its ancient acropolis. The civil protection authority has issued warnings of a very high risk of wildfires in almost half of Greece, with temperatures reaching extreme levels up to 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit). Heatwaves in Southern Europe and other regions may persist until August, exacerbating the wildfire risk.
Climate change has contributed to the intensification of wildfires in Greece during hotter, drier, and windy summers. An advisor to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) emphasized that heatwaves will become more frequent, increasing the likelihood of such disasters.
Evacuated individuals, including residents from affected villages, are being provided shelter in hotels, indoor stadiums, conference centers, and schools. The fire brigade is offering food, water, and medical assistance to those seeking refuge. The Greek foreign ministry is also assisting foreigners at the Rhodes airport who wish to leave the country due to the emergency.
Firefighters, supported by aircraft conducting water drops, are confronting the wildfire on three fronts. Their efforts include creating firebreaks to prevent the flames from spreading further into dense forests and residential areas. The fire has already caused significant damage, scorching vast areas of forest and several buildings since its initial outbreak in a mountainous region on Tuesday. The situation remains critical as authorities continue their efforts to bring the fire under control and protect the lives and properties of the affected population.