Summary:
- Greece issued evacuation orders for the islands of Corfu and Rhodes due to wildfires.
- Nearly 19,000 people have already been evacuated from Rhodes since Saturday.
- Tourists are facing difficulties and being stranded at airports as they attempt to leave the affected areas.
- The wildfires are the largest evacuation operation in Greece's history.
Greece issued evacuation orders for the island of Corfu and the southern island of Rhodes as wildfires continue to spread, forcing thousands of tourists and residents to leave their destinations. Sea evacuations have already commenced for Corfu, while stranded travelers are facing difficulties at airports.
The picturesque island of Corfu, located in northwest Greece, is grappling with wildfires that have escalated to the point where evacuation orders were deemed necessary. Similarly, the southern island of Rhodes, which is renowned for its popularity among tourists, is also witnessing massive wildfires, leading to a significant evacuation process. The scale of the evacuation is unprecedented in Greece's history, with approximately 19,000 people already evacuated from Rhodes since Saturday.
Amidst the chaos, travelers are facing challenging situations, with many being stranded at airports as they attempt to leave the affected areas. Witnessing the devastation from the mountaintops, some tourists recounted their panic-filled experiences, describing how they saw the fire rapidly approaching and had to flee hastily for buses. The rapid spread of the fires has left authorities with no choice but to take immediate and drastic evacuation measures to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike.
As authorities continue their efforts to contain the wildfires, the situation remains critical for Greece's popular tourist destinations. The impact on tourism and the environment is yet to be fully assessed, but the priority now is the safety and well-being of those affected by the fires. With evacuation operations underway, the Greek government is urging everyone in the affected regions to cooperate with the authorities and follow safety guidelines for a smooth and efficient evacuation process.