A wildfire on Crete, a major tourist destination in Greece, has spread, prompting the evacuation of about 5,000 residents and tourists.
According to AFP and Reuters on the 3rd (local time), and the BBC, the wildfire started the previous day in a forested area of Ierapetra in southeastern Crete and is spreading rapidly due to strong winds.
Local authorities issued an emergency evacuation order to residents and tourists as the flames approached dwellings and hotels.
Yorgos Charakis, president of the Crete Hotel Association, noted that about 3,000 tourists and 2,000 residents have evacuated. Those who evacuated moved to a temporary shelter set up in a gymnasium in Ierapetra, while some were transferred to hotels in other areas. Some isolated residents, cut off by blocked roads, were reported to have been rescued by boats from the beach.
Crete authorities stated, "All tourists are safe," and added, "Currently, there are no serious injuries, though some residents have been treated for breathing difficulties." Health authorities have issued an emergency standby order for hospitals across Crete just in case.
The firefighting effort involves 230 firefighters, 46 fire trucks, 10 helicopters, and drones. However, the operation is facing difficulties due to strong winds. Basilis Badrachoianis, a spokesperson for firefighting authorities, said, "With strong winds, embers are rekindling, which is causing significant problems in the firefighting efforts."
Earlier, a large-scale wildfire broke out last month on the Greek resort island of Chios, forcing thousands to evacuate, and in Izmir, Turkey, more than 50,000 people left their homes due to a major wildfire.