Greece’s Emergency Communications Service has taken decisive action by issuing evacuation orders for multiple areas in Corfu, and Rhodes, as wildfires continue to wreak havoc on the two popular Greek islands. The escalating fires have left both locals and tourists in a state of distress.

In Corfu, residents and holidaymakers in Santa, Megoula, Porta, Palia Perithia, and Sinies have been urged to evacuate immediately and seek safety in Kasiopi. The ongoing wildfires have made it nearly impossible for people to spend more than five minutes outside due to the intense 40-degree Celsius heat.

The situation in Rhodes has become even more dire, with a staggering 19,000 people forced to evacuate the island, making it the largest wildfire evacuation in Greece’s history, according to the Ministry of Climate Change and Civil Protection. Of these evacuees, 16,000 were transported by land, while 3,000 others were ferried to safety by sea.

Tourists who had been eagerly anticipating their summer holidays in Rhodes now face disappointment as Jet2 and TUI have been forced to cancel flights to the island. The wildfires have led to chaotic scenes, with power cuts exacerbating the situation and leaving travel agencies unable to provide adequate information to their customers.

As of now, there have been no reported casualties directly caused by the wildfires. However, six people were briefly hospitalised due to respiratory problems likely triggered by the smoke and ash in the affected areas.

The Greek authorities are working tirelessly to contain the wildfires, but the situation remains unpredictable and precarious. With the fire’s unpredictable nature, further evacuation orders may be issued in the coming days to ensure the safety of residents and tourists.