Wildfires ravage five regions in Greece, 64 new fires reported: current situation
Evacuation of Tourists in Rhodes, Greece (Photo: gettyimages.com)
According to kathimerini.gr., on Sunday, Greece witnessed the outbreak of 64 new wildfires, with firefighting forces successfully extinguishing 82 fire spots. Throughout the night, firefighters battled flames in Agios, Corfu, Karystos, Rhodes, and Ilikis. A high level of fire hazard has been declared in 13 regions of the country.
Situation in the regions of Greece as of Monday
On the island of Rhodes, the fire has moved eastwards towards Malona and Massari, but it does not pose a threat to populated areas. Hundreds of firefighters and volunteers continue their efforts to contain the fire.
Efforts are underway to halt the fire in Corfu, which broke out on Sunday in the Periti area in the north of the island. Forests and pastures are currently ablaze. Authorities have identified signs of arson in three different locations on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator.
For the safety of residents and tourists, evacuations were carried out in areas near the fire and people were accommodated in stadiums and the municipal theater in Corfu. Evacuations were carried out in 17 settlements. People were also evacuated from Nissaki Beach on the island of Corfu.
According to reports, if the fire is brought under control today, residents and tourists will be allowed to return to their homes and hotels.
Coastline of Rhodes after the wildfire (Photo: gettyimages.com)
In the Dervenakia area of Aegialeia, 35 fire service vehicles, two special aircraft, and helicopters are trying to extinguish a severe fire.
Yesterday, three fire outbreaks occurred around noon in the forested area of Karystos on the island of Euboea. Five settlements were evacuated, and ground forces are engaged in firefighting.
In central Greece, in Ilikis and Boeotia, the fire continues to spread southwards.
Extraordinary fire risk declared in 5 regions
The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection (civilprotection.gov.gr) predicts that an extraordinary fire risk (risk category 5) will be in effect in 5 regions of the country on Monday, while a very high fire risk (risk category 4) will prevail in 8 regions.
Forest Fire in Greece (Photo: gettyimages.com)
The regions with an extremely high fire risk today are:
- Attica
- Central Greece (Boeotia, Euboea)
- Peloponnese (Argolis, Corinthia, Messinia)
- Western Greece (Ilia)
- South Aegean region (Rhodes)
Areas with a fire risk (risk category 4) include:
- Northern Aegean Sea (Chios, Samos, Ikaria)
- Southern Aegean Sea (Karpathos, Kalymnos, Kos)
- Thessaly (Larissa, Magnesia)
- Crete
- Peloponnese (Arcadia, Laconia)
- Ionian Islands (Kefalonia, Zakynthos)
- Western Greece (Aetolia-Acarnania, Achaea)
- Central Greece (Phthiotis, Phocis)
On the Greek island of Rhodes, work has been suspended at many hotels due to the forest fires. Around 19,000 tourists have been transported to safer locations, with 14 evacuation flights planned.
