Wildfire on Crete: Thousands Evacuated as Blazes Rage Across Greece
A devastating wildfire swept through Greece's southern island of Crete, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes and hotels. The blaze, fueled by gale force winds, has been a major challenge for firefighters, who are battling the flames in the Ierapetra area. Thousands of tourists were evacuated overnight, with some taken to an indoor basketball arena and hotels in other parts of the island.
Key Takeaways:
- The wildfire on Crete has resulted in the evacuation of approximately 5,000 tourists from the Ierapetra area, with several homes and businesses damaged.
- 230 firefighters, backed by 10 water-dropping helicopters, are battling the flames, which are advancing through forest and farmland.
- Gale force winds with gusts reaching about 50 miles (80 kilometers) per hour have made firefighting work extremely difficult, creating new outbreaks and hampering efforts.
- Two people were evacuated by boat overnight, and six private boats are on standby for further evacuations by sea.
- The Fire Service and a civil protection agency have issued mobile phone alerts for the evacuations and advised residents not to return to save their property.
- The risk of wildfires remains very high across Crete and parts of southern Greece, according to a daily bulletin issued by the Fire Service.
Statistics:
- 5,000: The approximate number of tourists evacuated from the Ierapetra area.
- 230: The number of firefighters battling the wildfire.
- 10: The number of water-dropping helicopters supporting the firefighting efforts.
- 50 miles (80 kilometers): The speed of gale force winds whipping up the flames.
- 2: The number of people evacuated by boat overnight.
- 6: The number of private boats on standby for further evacuations by sea.
Sources:
- AP
- Campaign for Greek Fires
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- Associated Press
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