Title: Greek Prime Minister Declares Country at War as Wildfires Threaten Popular Tourist Destination
Greek Prime Minister Kyrakos Kitsotakis has declared a state of war as wildfires continue to ravage Greece, specifically posing a significant threat to a popular tourist destination. Firefighters have been battling to contain the fires for over a week, with the situation escalating rapidly.
Described as the most extensive evacuation operation in the country’s history, over 20,000 people fled the flames on the island of Rhodes over the weekend. British tourists alone make up an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 individuals stranded amidst the chaos and awaiting repatriation flights back home.
Prime Minister Kitsotakis cautioned residents and tourists to brace themselves for the upcoming days as hot and windy conditions continue to fuel the fires. He declared, We are currently at war, completely focused on the fire.
Disturbing footage uploaded by holidaymakers on social media platforms captures the smoke-filled landscape compelling them to evacuate their hotels and resorts, seeking refuge on the beaches. They were later rescued by boats and transported to airports, where makeshift beds and mattresses have been arranged for their accommodation as they await their flights.
According to Greece’s fire department, approximately 19,000 people, mostly tourists, were forced to evacuate their homes and hotels on Sunday night as the flames neared the island’s southeastern coast. Local publication Neos Kosmos reported an even more staggering number, stating that over 30,000 individuals had been evacuated from Rhodes over the weekend, with 2,000 of them being transported by boats.
As the evacuation efforts intensify, the British government has advised its citizens to remain in contact with their tour operators while airlines execute a massive repatriation operation. Chancellor Rishi Sunak emphasized the priority of ensuring the safety of British nationals and stated that numerous flights are being arranged to bring them back home.
Currently, British Airways and EasyJet are still operating, facilitating the transportation of people to and from Greece. However, airlines such as Tui and Jet2 have opted to cancel all flights until the end of the week.
The scorching July temperatures, the highest in half a century, have considerably contributed to the early outbreak of these devastating fires. The scale of the inferno became particularly challenging to control on Saturday as powerful gusts of wind hindered the firefighting efforts. By Sunday, the wildfires had expanded to a vast area, heading south toward the coastline, directly affecting the resorts frequented by tourists.
In this time of crisis, it is crucial to remain vigilant and prioritize the safety of all individuals. Authorities are working tirelessly to combat the wildfires and secure the affected areas. The situation serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of natural disasters and highlights the need for enhanced preparations and safety measures.
Greek officials, alongside international support, continue to combat the fires and focus on containing the disaster. As the world unites in solidarity, our thoughts remain with those affected by the ongoing wildfires, and we hope for their safety and swift recovery.
