The picturesque Greek island of Rhodes has been engulfed in devastating wildfires, leading to the evacuation of approximately 19,000 people, including tourists hoping to spend their summer holidays in the idyllic destination. Greece’s Ministry of Climate Change and Civil Protection has termed this evacuation as “the largest ever from a wildfire in the country.”
As the fires continued to spread, authorities initiated the evacuation process to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. About 16,000 individuals were evacuated by land, while 3,000 others were rescued by sea, according to local officials. Despite the intensity of the wildfires, there have been no reported casualties. However, six people were briefly hospitalised due to respiratory issues caused by the dense smoke and flames.