Sea evacuations have begun on the picturesque island of Corfu, Greece, as wildfires continue to cause chaos, marking one of the largest evacuations in Greek history. The fires have forced people to flee resorts and coastal villages, prompting authorities to organize swift and coordinated efforts to ensure the safety of residents and tourists alike.
On the northwest coast of Corfu, 59 individuals have been evacuated from Nissaki beach, thanks to the combined efforts of the Greek Coast Guard and private vessels. Six coast guard vessels and nine private vessels participated in the operation, rescuing those seeking refuge from the advancing wildfires.
At the same time, the situation remains critical in Rhodes, another Greek island, where one of the largest evacuations in the nation’s history has taken place. Tourists and residents on the island sought safety in schools and shelters as the flames threatened their homes and livelihoods. Many were rescued by private boats from the beaches, while others were forced to spend the weekend seeking refuge on the streets, beaches, or pool sun loungers.
In total, an estimated 19,000 people have been rescued from Rhodes as the island faced an unprecedented wildfire emergency. Amidst the chaos, evacuation orders were issued for specific areas of Corfu, including Santa, Megoula, Porta, Palia, Perithia, and Sinies, urging residents to leave the affected locations.
Travel operators, including TUI, Jet2, and Correndon, have canceled flights to Rhodes, focusing on repatriation efforts to bring tourists back home. EasyJet has arranged two repatriation flights on Monday, in addition to the nine regular flights that operate between Rhodes and the UK, providing an additional 421 seats to facilitate evacuation. The airline has pledged to operate another repatriation flight on Tuesday while closely monitoring the situation.
The wildfires have left a trail of destruction in their wake, blackening trees and roads while leaving behind a landscape dotted with burnt-out cars and dead animals. With temperatures expected to remain high, and no rain forecast in the coming week, authorities are vigilant in their efforts to control the situation and prevent further damage.
As Greece grapples with the worst wildfires in recent memory, emergency responders, local communities, and tourists are showing solidarity and resilience in the face of adversity. The island of Corfu, despite facing challenges, continues to function well, and authorities commend the support and unity displayed by locals during this difficult time.
As efforts continue to bring the situation under control and ensure the safety of all affected individuals, the Greek Foreign Office Rapid Deployment Team has been deployed to Rhodes to assist those who have lost their travel documents. Travel operators are diligently arranging repatriation flights and supporting tourists in returning home.
The wildfires serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of natural disasters and the importance of safety precautions during travel. Authorities advise travelers to remain updated on the latest information from local authorities and follow the guidance of emergency services to ensure their well-being during such unforeseen events.
Sea evacuations have begun from a beach in Corfu to transport individuals fleeing wildfires on the Greek island – as scores of Britons await repatriation flights out of Rhodes.
