As the wildfire spread towards resorts and local villages on the island of Rhodes, Greece, 19,000 tourists and residents were sheltered in schools and shelters on Sunday, July 23. Many also fled to safer beaches on Rhodes using private boats. Thousands spent Saturday night outdoors. According to Reuters, travel companies canceled flights to Rhodes in southeastern Greece, known for its beaches and historical sites. With a population of 125,000, Rhodes is the third-largest island in Greece. The fire started on Tuesday in a mountainous area and has since burned parts of the forest and several buildings. A spokesperson for the Greek fire department described the evacuation of 19,000 people from homes and hotels as the largest safe transport operation for residents and tourists in the country. Greek coast guard ships and dozens of private boats transferred over 3,000 tourists to safe beaches on Saturday. The deputy mayor of Rhodes stated on Sunday, "We have so far accommodated 4,000 to 5,000 people in safe locations." French, German, Dutch, and British citizens were among the tourists on Rhodes, which, according to one hotelier, hosts 15,000 visitors at the peak of the tourist season. A British tourist, in an interview with Greek television, thanked the generosity of the local people, stating that shops refrained from charging for water and food, and small boats took women and children to safety before men. The Greek Foreign Ministry announced that it is working with embassies to establish a help desk at Rhodes airport to facilitate the departure of visitors who have lost their travel documents. According to a spokesperson for the Greek fire department, more than 250 firefighters, aided by 18 aircraft, are working to control the flames. Greek officials warned of a very high risk of wildfires on Sunday in nearly half of Greece, where temperatures reach 45 degrees Celsius. The fire on Rhodes continues, with widespread evacuations ongoing amid a heatwave in the Northern Hemisphere, and a "red alert" has been declared in southern and eastern Europe. John Kerry stated that the United States and China could lead the way in combating global warming.
Greek Firefighters: 19,000 People Moved to Safe Locations on Rhodes Island
A wildfire on Rhodes Island, Greece, has led to the evacuation of 19,000 tourists and residents as the fire threatens local resorts and villages. The Greek government is coordinating efforts to ensure safety and assist those affected, while international travel has been disrupted. This situation highlights the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters in tourist areas.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
A wildfire on Rhodes Island, Greece, prompted the evacuation of 19,000 people as the fire threatened local resorts and villages. The Greek government coordinated extensive evacuation efforts amid a severe heatwave.
- The fire has burned parts of the forest and several buildings since it started on Tuesday.
- Over 250 firefighters and 18 aircraft are currently working to control the flames.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Wildfires have become increasingly common in Europe due to rising temperatures and prolonged heatwaves, posing risks to both human life and property.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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