Nearly 19,000 people were forced to evacuate parts of the idyllic Greek island of Rhodes as wildfires ravaged through the area amidst a scorching heatwave that has been breaking temperature records in southern Europe. The Greek Coast Guard spearheaded the rescue efforts, evacuating both tourists and locals from beaches in the Kiotari and Lardos areas. The fire department spokesman revealed that approximately 3,000 individuals were evacuated by sea, while 16,000 were transported by land from the affected regions. This evacuation marks the largest in Greece's history caused by a wildfire, according to the Greek civil protection ministry.
The devastating wildfires are just one of the extreme weather events experienced across Europe over the past week. Italy suffered from hailstorms and a tornado, while heavy rainfalls and high winds resulted in fatalities in parts of the western Balkans. The intensified and prolonged summer heatwaves in the Northern Hemisphere are attributed to climate change caused by fossil fuel emissions.
Tourists on Rhodes Island are now scrambling to make their way out, with some seeking shelter in schools and hotel conference spaces, still in their swimsuits. Airlines are facing the challenge of arranging enough return flights to meet the demand. In response, various countries, including the European Commission, the UK, France, and Italy, have joined forces to assist in firefighting and rescue operations.
Tour operators have instructed their charter planes to arrive on the island empty so that they can repatriate stranded visitors. Jet2, TUI, and EasyJet are among the carriers that have canceled or adjusted their flight schedules to accommodate the evacuation efforts. Jet2 canceled all of its flights to Rhodes on Sunday and will be sending empty planes to bring back their customers. TUI, on the other hand, has canceled flights until July 25 and is providing extra support staff for customers currently on the island. EasyJet is currently maintaining its regular operations but is closely monitoring the situation and following the instructions of local authorities.
The situation on the island has prompted police to implement traffic diversions, closing several highways to ensure smooth access to Rhodes International Airport in the north. The Greek Foreign Ministry has set up a special operation at the airport to hasten the processing of travel documents for those wishing to leave.
Rhodes Island, known for its stunning beaches and rich history, attracts a significant number of British visitors. In June alone, British tourists accounted for nearly a quarter of all international air arrivals, followed by Germans and Poles. Considering the high risk of wildfires still prevailing in Greece, civil protection authorities have issued a warning for Sunday as temperatures are expected to soar up to 45°C (113°F) in certain areas.
In response to the crisis, Greece's Foreign Ministry has activated special telephone numbers for foreign visitors to call for assistance in facilitating their evacuation. As the country battles against the relentless wildfires and extreme weather, the safety and well-being of residents and tourists remain a top priority.