1,500 Residents and Tourists Evacuated as Another Major Wildfire Erupts in Heatwave-Stricken Greece

Wildfires Also Broke Out Near Athens and on Chios Island at the End of Last Month

A large wildfire broke out on Crete, one of Greece's most popular tourist destinations, forcing more than 1,500 residents and tourists to evacuate. In Greece, where a heatwave has pushed temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius, recent days have also seen major wildfires in Athens and on the eastern Aegean island of Chios, resulting in the evacuation of thousands of people.

A large wildfire that occurred last month on the Greek island of Chios. Yonhap News

According to Yonhap News, which cited a BBC report on July 2 (local time), a wildfire that started in a forested area near Ierapetra in southeastern Crete, Greece's largest island, is rapidly spreading due to strong winds.

As the flames approached coastal resort areas, local authorities issued an emergency evacuation order, moving residents of the Ferma area and tourists staying at local resorts to safety. Some tourists were transported to temporary shelters and hotels in other areas, while about 200 people were temporarily accommodated in an indoor gymnasium in the city. Some residents, unable to evacuate by road due to closures, were reportedly rescued by boat from the beach.

Authorities are currently making all-out efforts to contain the fire, deploying 38 fire trucks along with firefighting helicopters. However, the operation is facing difficulties as hurricane-force winds have caused the fire to spread over an area wider than 6 kilometers.

No serious casualties have been reported. Authorities stated, "All tourists are safe," and added that there are no serious injuries at this time, although some residents have received treatment for breathing difficulties. Health authorities have placed all hospitals across Crete on emergency standby in case of further developments.

Greece has recently experienced a series of wildfires as the heatwave and hot, dry air persist. At the end of last month, a major wildfire broke out near Athens, prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders for nearby areas and to close part of the coastal road leading to the famous Temple of Poseidon. On June 22, a large wildfire on the eastern island of Chios continued for a third day, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency.

Over the past 20 years, Greece has seen a steady increase in wildfire damage, resulting in loss of life and economic losses. Experts have pointed out that, as a result of climate change, wildfires are becoming more frequent and large-scale fires are also on the rise.