Thousands of tourists were forced to evacuate hotels on the Greek island of Rhodes due to a massive fire, in what officials described as the largest evacuation effort in the country’s history. The fire has been burning in central and southern Rhodes since Tuesday, amidst a heatwave that experts predict will become Greece’s longest on record.
Tourists caught in the flames described chaotic and frightening scenes, with some having to flee on foot or find their own transportation after being instructed to leave. Amy Leyden, a British tourist, recounted the terrifying experience of walking down the street with her family at 2 a.m. while the fire closed in on them.
The Greek government reported that around 19,000 people, including tourists and residents, had been evacuated to Rhodes since Saturday. They called it the largest evacuation effort ever seen in Greece, with 16,000 people transported by land and 3,000 by sea. The operation involved utilizing hotels, schools, sports centers, and conference centers in safe areas to accommodate evacuees.
While the fire threatens areas near Kiotari and Lardos, the popular archaeological site of Lindos has not been affected so far. The Greek Ministry of Civil Protection issued a red alert for fires in 13 departments, including the Attica region where Athens is located, due to extreme fire danger.
The heatwave in Greece has already broken records, with the potential to continue for up to 15 to 16 days, surpassing the country’s previous 12-day heatwave in July 1987. The National Observatory of Athens stated that the capital, Athens, may experience temperatures that exceed the all-time record of 44.8 degrees Celsius (112.64 degrees Fahrenheit) set in June 2007.
The extreme weather isn’t limited to Greece. Italy recently endured record heat with Rome reaching a new high of 41 degrees Celsius. The country also suffered devastating floods earlier this year. Additionally, severe thunderstorms in the Balkans claimed several lives.
Scientists are warning that these extreme weather events may be a preview of the future as the planet continues to warm. They predict that weather extremes will intensify and that weather patterns may change in unpredictable ways.
The fires in Rhodes and the heatwave gripping Greece highlight the urgent need for global action to address climate change. With temperatures soaring and extreme weather events becoming more frequent, governments and individuals must prioritize environmental sustainability and resilience to mitigate the impact of climate change. The evacuation efforts in Rhodes serve as a stark reminder of the challenges humanity faces in the face of the climate crisis.
