Wildfires in Rhodes and Corfu: 19,000 Evacuated, Flights Cancelled, Tourists Repatriated

Wildfires caused by climate change and other factors are destroying tourist areas in Greece.

Rhodes has seen its largest-ever evacuation of people. Since six days, wildfires have been raging on the island.

The people who were brought to safety came mainly from 12 villages, and a few hotels. There have been no reported casualties, but people are being treated in hospitals for respiratory problems.

On the island of Corfu, where evacuations have begun, wildfires also rage.

Greece evacuations: What are the options for tourists to get off Corfu and Rhodes?

Communication and information are restricted due to the emergency situation. It appears that airports are helping tourists directly.

Reports have stated that airports and ports will assist travellers who do not possess their passports when forced to leave on short notice.

Most of the tourists visiting Corfu and Rhodes come from the UK, so flights to the UK are required in large numbers.

A British Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed that a Rapid Deployment Team was on Rhodes, to assist travel agents in bringing Britons back home. They mention, "British nationals in Rhodes should contact their travel operator in the first instance for any queries regarding the rescheduling of flights and continue to check our updated gov.uk travel advice for information."

EasyJet is operating two flights to Rhodes today, totaling 421 seats. A third flight will be operated on Tuesday 25th July.

Czech Republic also organized repatriation flights from Prague.

Rhodes and Corfu - Airlines and travel companies cancel flights

The British airline Jet2 issued a press release stating that all flights to Rhodes and any holidays booked there are canceled up until the 30th of July. Below is the full statement.

Tui, a European travel company, has canceled all flights to the island until 25 July.

Tui is offering those who are due to depart on Wednesday the chance to choose an alternative vacation without amending fees or to receive a refund in full if they cancel.

Tui UK & Ireland spokesperson stated: "We're now working hard to get everybody home safely with our first passengers returning to the UK on three dedicated flights overnight and plans in place to get everyone affected back as soon as possible."

Thomas Cook, the tour operator, has canceled all holiday bookings to Kiotari or Lardos until 31 July. They will be in contact with their customers to arrange "swift reimbursements".

EasyJet canceled all package holidays that were scheduled to depart up until and including Tuesday. The airline will fly two repatriation flights on Monday, and another on Tuesday, to get British tourists back to London Gatwick Airport.

British Airways continues to offer flights from Rhodes to get passengers back home. A larger aircraft will be deployed tonight (Monday), to accommodate passengers who want to return earlier.

Loveholidays cancels all Rhodes holiday departures for Sunday and Monday.

Where are the places that you should avoid?

The following are the areas where there is a high risk of fire:

• Attica
• Evia
• Boeotia
• Corinthia
• Ilia
• Argolis
• Messinia
• Rhodes

The Greek authorities have stated that the affected areas on Rhodes represent less than 10% of total tourism capacity.

Corfu's situation isn't considered as grave as that of Rhodes. The people of Santa, Megoula Porta Palia Perithia Sinies and Sinies were ordered to leave.

How long can wildfires last?

The triangle-shaped main front is the most important part of the fire. Two of its points are near the sea, and the third in the mountains. Each side of the triangle is more than 10 km long on maps.

The fire in Rhodes is just one of many active fires across Greece.

The fires near Sparta and northwest of Athens are now subsiding. However, the low humidity and temperatures that reached 45C Sunday mean the danger has not passed and there is still a chance for more wildfires to break out.

Meteorologists warn that the heat wave will last at least until Friday.

Eight countries from the European Union have sent firefighting forces to help contain the flames. Israel, Jordan, and Turkey also sent reinforcements consisting mainly of aerial equipment.

Source: euronews.com