Relentless wildfires are wreaking havoc in Greece, compelling tens of thousands of individuals to evacuate from the picturesque islands of Rhodes and Corfu.

This natural disaster is not only disrupting the lives of residents but has also left many tourists stranded at airports and makeshift shelters.

The situation is part of a larger pattern of heatwaves that have been affecting various countries in Europe since mid-July.

Some of the islands have experienced scorching temperatures surpassing 104 degrees Fahrenheit, providing ideal conditions for the outbreak and spread of numerous wildfires, NPR has reported.

These fires have been fueled by the dry weather conditions and, in some instances, there have been suspicions of possible arson, as suggested by officials in Corfu.

Despite the valiant efforts of Greek firefighters, the blazes remain uncontrolled, posing a significant challenge.

The situation is further exacerbated by the weather forecast, with temperatures expected to rise again in the coming days, making the firefighters’ task even more daunting.

Rhodes and Corfu are bearing the brunt of these wildfires, with massive evacuations underway.

Over the weekend, approximately 19,000 people fled Rhodes, marking it as “the largest evacuation from a wildfire in the country,” according to Greek authorities.

The evacuation process involved a staggering 16,000 people leaving by land and 3,000 by sea, from 12 villages and various hotels. Several individuals had to be treated for respiratory problems at a local hospital.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Corfu also implemented major evacuations, with at least 2,400 visitors and locals being evacuated as a precautionary measure overnight on Sunday, as reported by AFP.

As the fires continue to rage, the Greek firefighters are receiving support from several other nations, united in their efforts to bring the blazes under control.

However, with the persistent heatwave and challenging conditions, the battle against these wildfires remains uphill and uncertain.

Written by staff