Massive fire rips through Rhodes, leaves much of the island without power and water

·

A massive fire broke out on the Greek island of Rhodes on Sunday, leaving large parts of the island without power and water.

The fire threatens the famed Valley of the Butterflies, the military base of Kalamona, and the village of Psinthos, all of which have been evacuated.

Firefighters on the scene warned residents of nearby villages and settlements to evacuate as well, as the fire is quickly gaining ground and could spread very easily.

Fire on Rhodes island. Photo: dimokratiki.

“The situation is very difficult and does not allow much optimism that the fire can be brought under control soon, due to the intensity of the winds that do not help the extinguishing work,” officers at the scene told local newspaper, dimokratiki.

More than 30 firefighters with 12 fire trucks, three fire corps on foot, volunteers, four aircraft and three helicopters, as well as the water dropping Russian Beriev-200, are currently operating at the fire front. Additional fire fighters are expected from Samos and Athens.

So far there are no reports of injuries or people in hospital due to respiratory problems.

Fire rips through Rhodes. Photo: Keep Talking Greek.

Dozen homes burn, five people hospitalised in Achaia wildfire:

Meanwhile, the big forest fire in Ziria, Achaia, that broke out on Saturday is largely under control. 

The fire left behind about a dozen homes burned and five people were hospitalised with breathing problems.

The authorities evacuated people from four villages in the region as well as from the tourist resort of Loggos on the coast.

READ MORE: Wildfires wreck havoc across Greek villages.

Firefighters operate during a wildfire near Lampiri village, west of Patras, Greece, Saturday, Jul. 31, 2021. Photo: AP Photo/Andreas Alexopoulos.

Greece is hit by forest fires every summer, but experts have warned that global warming increases their frequency and intensity.

Greece has been in the grip of another heatwave since Friday, with temperatures hovering between 42 and 44 degrees Celsius (111 Fahrenheit), weather forecasters say.

A total of 56 wildfires have broken out in the past 24 hours in Greece, aided by a combination of dry weather, a heatwave and strong winds. Most were put out at an early stage, Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis said.

READ MORE: Peloponnese villages ordered to evacuate as fires burn on the outskirts of Patras.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Golden North relocates after 100 years as Greek Australians spearhead expansion

Golden North will leave its historic home after more than 100 years, relocating under the leadership of Greek Australian entrepreneurs.

New Greek ID system: What the ‘Personal Number’ means for Greeks in Australia

The Greek government officially launched the 'Personal Number' on June 3, 2025. What does it mean for Greeks in Australia?

10 years on, Angela Merkel defends her stance on Greece and the eurozone

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said she never wanted Greece to leave the eurozone, speaking during a special event in Athens.

Wildfires ravage Crete and Halkidiki as Greece battles summer blazes

Firefighters in Greece are battling multiple wildfires, with major blazes reported on the island of Crete and in Halkidiki.

Kia ad sparks outrage among Greek Australians over ‘Macedonian Marble’ reference

Kia Australia faces backlash from Greek Australians over an ad showing “Macedonian Marble” alongside Parthenon-style columns.

You May Also Like

Archbishop Makarios recognises the role of women on International Women’s Day

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia has marked International Women's Day 2021 with a special message.

Double Taxation Agreement between Greece and Australia only a matter of time

"The moves are coordinated and there have been positive developments," said the Trade Commissioner of Greece in Australia, Katia Gkikiza.

FiloXenia band take the stage at Sydney’s In Good Taste Festival

On Friday, February 16, the Greek Australian trio band, FiloXenia performed at the In Good Taste Festival on MacMahon Street, Hurstville.