Wildfire Continues To Rage In Greece

A wildfire on the Greek island of Rhodes has been raging for five days, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of people from affected villages and beaches. More than 2,000 people, including tourists, were evacuated by coast guard vessels and private boats from areas near Kiotari and Lardos. An ongoing operation is evacuating around 600 people from beaches in Kiotari and Gennadi. Authorities have urged about 1,000 people to leave the villages of Pefki, Lindos, and Kalathos as the fire approached.

Firefighters are seen near a wildfire on the island of Rhodes, Greece, July 22, 2023. Argiris Mantikos/Eurokinissi via REUTERS

Firefighters, aided by air water bombers and reinforcements from Slovakia, are battling new outbreaks fueled by strong winds. The wildfire has caused damage to several hotels in Kiotari. Evacuated individuals are being accommodated in an indoor stadium and hotels on the island. The Greek foreign ministry activated its crisis management unit to assist foreigners wishing to leave the country amid the ongoing heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach 45 Celsius (113 Fahrenheit).