In a dramatic turn of events on the holiday isle of Rhodes, hundreds of British holidaymakers have been forced to flee for safety amidst raging wildfires. The situation has become increasingly

dire as the island faces its fifth consecutive day of intense fires, prompting the evacuation of thousands of people from popular resorts and beaches.

Under scorching 95F heat, tourists recounted their harrowing experiences, expressing a sense of abandonment by holiday firms who seemingly prioritized new arrivals over their safety. Instead of immediate assistance from their carriers, these desperate holidaymakers found themselves walking for miles in search of safety, relying on the overwhelmed local authorities for support.

The magnitude of the crisis became apparent as videos surfaced, showing thousands of tourists being evacuated from their resorts. However, many fleeing tourists claimed that they had not received any communication or support from their holiday companies.

The Greek holiday island authorities have been working tirelessly to evacuate approximately 30,000 people from areas at risk of the wildfires. Among them were 2,000 individuals who had to be rescued by small boats and ferries due to the severity of the situation. The ongoing operation has faced challenges as fires cut off certain road access points, making the task of rescue and evacuation even more arduous.

George Hadjimarkos, the regional governor of the South Aegean, highlighted the primary goal of the evacuation efforts: to safeguard human lives. Despite the difficulties, the authorities have been working relentlessly to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike.

As the wildfires continue to ravage parts of Rhodes, the plight of these stranded tourists emphasizes the importance of coordinated and prompt responses from holiday firms during crises. The decision of some carriers to bring in new tourists while others were struggling to escape has sparked criticism and raised concerns about the wellbeing of those caught in such extraordinary circumstances. Photo by Kalogeropoulos, Wikimedia commons.