Wildfires Ravage Greek Island of Rhodes, Forcing Mass Evacuation of 19,000

Greek Wildfires Force Evacuation of 19,000 From Island of Rhodes

In the midst of a scorching heat wave that has shattered temperature records across southern Europe, wildfires erupted on the Greek island of Rhodes, leading to the evacuation of approximately 19,000 people. The Greek Coast Guard spearheaded the rescue efforts, evacuating tourists and locals from the Kiotari and Lardos areas of the island. The fire department reported that 3,000 individuals were evacuated by sea, while 16,000 were evacuated by land. This wildfire-triggered evacuation stands as the largest in Greece’s history.

Extreme Weather and Climate Change

The devastating wildfires on Rhodes follow a week of extreme weather events across Europe, including hailstorms, a tornado in Italy, heavy rainfall, and high winds that claimed lives in parts of the western Balkans. One cannot overlook the role of climate change in intensifying and prolonging summer heatwaves in the Northern Hemisphere, which in turn increases the risk of wildfires. Rising temperatures, triggered by fossil fuel emissions, are wreaking havoc on the environment and demanding urgent attention.

According to Sarah Muller, one of our Bloomberg News editors who was evacuated from her hotel in Rhodes, onlookers at the beach have witnessed firefighting planes making water landings to collect supplies. The juxtaposition of firefighting efforts with people indulging in water sports creates an eerie atmosphere, exposing the disturbing reality of confronting climate change impacts in the midst of leisure activities.

International Assistance and Travel Disruptions

The European Commission, along with the United Kingdom, France, and Italy, has extended assistance in firefighting and rescue operations on Rhodes. As tourists attempt to leave the island, airlines are grappling with the challenge of arranging sufficient return flights. Tour operators have deployed empty charter planes to facilitate the repatriation of visitors who wish to depart. In addition, the Greek Foreign Ministry has established a special operation at Rhodes airport to expedite travel document processing. However, travel disruptions persist, as leisure carrier Jet2 Plc and TUI AG have canceled multiple flights, and EasyJet Plc has canceled some holiday packages while offering customers transfer options. Traffic diversions and highway closures have been implemented to maintain access to Rhodes International Airport.

Concerns of Evacuated Tourists

Stranded in Rhodes, some tourists, like Tim Müller, recount the nightmarish experience of sleeping on the floor with improvised blankets and pillows made from tablecloths and curtains in hotel conference rooms. The desperation to leave the island is palpable among these individuals, who simply want to return home safely. British tourists make up a significant portion of visitors to Rhodes, accounting for nearly a quarter of all international arrivals in June. Germans and Poles were the second and third-largest groups to arrive by air during the same month. The Greek Foreign Ministry, recognizing the urgency of the situation, has activated special telephone numbers for foreign visitors to facilitate their evacuation.

Continued Wildfire Risks

Greek civil protection authorities remain on high alert for wildfires throughout the country as temperatures are projected to surpass 45C (113F) in some areas. The risk of wildfires continues to be a grave concern, warranting ongoing monitoring and proactive measures to mitigate the impact.

Conclusion

The Greek island of Rhodes is yet another victim of the intensifying climate crisis, with wildfires forcing the evacuation of thousands. This event serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global action to combat climate change and its far-reaching consequences. Immediate efforts are required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy sources. Governments must prioritize the protection of their citizens by implementing robust disaster preparedness plans and investing in firefighting capabilities. It is imperative that we confront climate change head-on and adapt to its impacts to safeguard our planet and future generations.