Thousands more evacuated as Rhodes wildfire continues to rage

·

The wildfire racing across the Greek island of Rhodes for a week now continued to rage uncontained on Monday evening, Ekathimerini has reported.

The wildfire has so far burned an estimated 34,200 hectares.

Things took a turn for the worse on Monday as the fire tore past defences and more evacuations were ordered, in the central and southern parts of the island.

A firefighter tries to extinguish a wildfire in Asklipio village on Rhodes island. Photo: Aristidis Vafeiadakis/Zuma/Shutterstock.

The latest evacuations were ordered in south Rhodes after 19,000 people, mostly tourists, were moved in buses and boats over the weekend out of the path of the fire. It was the country’s biggest evacuation effort in recent years.

“We are at war – completely focused on the fires,” Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said during a debate in Parliament. “Over the coming days and weeks, we must remain on constant alert.”

Wildfires are also raging on the islands of Corfu and Evia and on the mainland, notably in the Peloponnese, southern Greece. 

Overnight, an estimated 2,466 citizens had fled dwellings in 17 villages along Corfu’s northern coast, while hundreds had been forced to evacuate communities on Evia.

These fires come as Greece experienced the hottest temperatures in 50 years at the weekend, with the mercury reaching 45 degree Celsius in the central region of Thessaly.

A wildfire burns at the Trapeza village, in Achaia in the Peloponnese. Photo: Giota Lotsari/EPA.

Temperatures are set to climb again on Tuesday after a day of relative respite.

The Fire Service has announced that most of the island of Crete, with the exception of the regional unit of Hania, as well as Rhodes and the nearby islands, are facing an extreme risk (Category 5, the highest) of new fire outbreaks.

Source: Ekathimerini.

READ MORE: Australian helicopters join fight against wildfires in Greece.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne set for derby showdown at Jubilee Stadium

Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne reignite their rivalry at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium for another chapter in the Australian Championship.

Sydney Olympic AGM: Hanlin tackles logo backlash, funding offers and a new direction

Sydney Olympic FC held its AGM on Tuesday, where President Damon Hanlin presented a wide-ranging update on the club’s future direction.

A legacy continued: Celebrating 50 years of the Navarino Society of SA

The 50th anniversary of the Navarino (Pylion) Society of South Australia was marked with a night of pride, nostalgia, and optimism.

Renos Haralambidis reflects on time, art, and the spirit of Hellenism during Sydney visit

Greek filmmaker Renos Haralambidis concluded an insightful and warmly received visit to Sydney, which featured his entire body of work.

Oakleigh Grammar marks OXI Day with heartfelt tributes and student-led performances

With emotion, pride, and deep respect for history, Oakleigh Grammar held its annual celebration for OXI Day on Tuesday, October 28. 

You May Also Like

Australia’s southeast coast feels earth tremor

A magnitude-5.8 earthquake has been felt across three states on Australia's southeast coast early this morning.

Greece becomes new hotspot for the world’s ultra-rich

Greece’s luxury holiday home market is evolving into a new hotspot for the planet’s ultra-rich despite the coronavirus and its consequences on the economy.

Over $45,000 raised to make Pontian House accessible for all

A total of $45,476 has been raised by Pontoxeniteas NSW at its Winter Wonderland Gala 2025 to install a platform lift at the Pontian House.