A fast-moving wildfire fueled by gale-force winds has burned through Crete’s southern island, prompting the urgent evacuation of more than 1,500 people from hotels and homes. The blaze, which has raged through the night and into Thursday, has devastated forest and farmland in the Ierapetra area along the island’s southern coast.
The fire department reported that 230 firefighters, supported by 10 water-dropping aircraft, are battling the flames. Two people were evacuated by boat overnight, and six private boats remain on standby in case more sea evacuations become necessary, according to the coast guard.
Homes have been damaged as the fire swept through hillside forests, with strong winds fanning the flames and making containment extremely difficult. “It’s a very difficult situation. The fire is very hard to contain. Right now, they cannot contain it,” said Nektarios Papadakis, a civil protection official, speaking to The Associated Press.
Tourists evacuated from the affected areas have been taken to indoor basketball arenas and hotels in other parts of the island. Authorities issued mobile alerts for evacuations and urged residents not to return to their properties to attempt saving them amid the ongoing danger.
As the wildfire crested ridgelines and moved closer to residential zones, clouds of ash filled the night sky, illuminated by the headlights of emergency vehicles and water trucks lining the coastal roads near the resorts of Ferma and Achlia. Several residents received treatment for breathing difficulties, but no serious injuries have been reported so far.
Crete remains a popular destination for both international and domestic tourists. The Fire Service has maintained a very high wildfire risk across the island and southern Greece, warning residents and visitors to remain vigilant as the battle against the flames continues.
+ There are no comments
Add yours