The Greek islands of Corfu and Rhodes are facing a wildfire crisis, with one of the largest-ever evacuations in Greek history underway. As flames continue to engulf parts of both islands, authorities have been forced to carry out sea evacuations to ensure the safety of residents and tourists.
On Corfu, around 59 people were evacuated from Nissaki Beach on the northwest coast with the assistance of six coast guard vessels and nine private vessels, according to the Greek Coast Guard. The wildfire situation has been exacerbated by the extreme heatwave gripping the region, posing significant challenges for firefighters and rescue operations.
Meanwhile, in Rhodes, a massive evacuation effort is also taking place as wildfires menace resorts and coastal villages. Tourists and residents sought refuge in schools and shelters, with some being evacuated on private boats from beaches. Scores of Britons await repatriation flights to return home from the island.
Approximately 19,000 people have been rescued from Rhodes so far, as the flames have left a trail of devastation, turning trees black and skeletal and littering the roads with dead animals and burnt-out cars. The fire brigade has managed the massive task of moving people from homes and hotels, marking it as the most significant safe transport of residents and tourists ever undertaken in Greece.
Amid the chaos, some tourists were forced to spend the weekend sleeping rough on beaches or in public areas, highlighting the scale of the emergency. The situation in Rhodes and Corfu remains critical, as temperatures remain high and no rain is forecast in the coming week, adding to the challenges faced by firefighting efforts.
Tour operators, including Jet2, TUI, and Correndon, have cancelled flights to Rhodes, and travel agent Thomas Cook is offering full refunds to affected customers who wish to cancel their trips. EasyJet has organized repatriation flights, aiming to get people off the island as quickly and safely as possible.
In the midst of the crisis, the UK government has sent a Foreign Office Rapid Deployment Team to Rhodes to support British nationals affected by the wildfires. The team will assist with travel documents and liaise with Greek authorities and travel operators on the ground. Safety remains the top priority for British nationals, and they are advised to contact their travel operators for any queries regarding flight rescheduling.
The situation on both Corfu and Rhodes is being closely monitored by authorities, who are working tirelessly to manage the wildfires and ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors. The cause of the fires is still under investigation, but the focus remains on evacuations and containing the flames as the emergency unfolds.
