The village of Masari and the surrounding settlements were evacuated due to a new flare-up in the area – The fire front extends uncontrollably in three places, namely in Asklipieio, Laerma and Apollon towards Stefania
Rhodes continues to be in flames for the sixth day with the fire continuing to burn on three fronts. In particular, the fiery front extends uncontrollably in three places, namely in Asclepius, Laermas and Apollo towards Stefania with the front that is in the central and north-eastern part of the island causing the greatest concern. The night is expected to be particularly difficult.
Just before 20:00 a new big revival took place in the village of Malonas with strong winds making the work of firefighters difficult. Residents were evacuated from the village due to the thick smoke as well as from the neighboring villages, Massari and Kalathos.
Ground and air forces have been carrying out airstrikes on all active fronts since the morning, while the assistance of volunteers is also important.
Homes, shops, hotels, animals and even thousands of areas of land have been reduced to ashes while over 19,000 residents and tourists moved to safer areas. This is the largest operation of transporting residents and tourists to safe places ever carried out in the country. More specifically, according to data from the Dodecanese Police Directorate, the following settlements were evacuated as a precaution: Kiotari, Gennadi, Pylonas, Laerma, Lardos, Lindos, Kalathos Malona, ​​Asklipieio, Pefkos, Massari, Haraki, as well as from hotels in these areas.
According to the latest information from the press representative of the fire department, Giannis Artopiorou, 10 aircraft are operating, 8 helicopters of which 2 are coordinating. With regard to the ground forces, 266 firefighters, 16 groups of infantry departments, 49 firefighting water vehicles as well as hundreds of volunteers who support the efforts of the firefighters are operating on the frontlines. Important is the help of the international missions in the field at this time under the instructions of the Fire Brigade. 31 Slovak firefighters are operating with 4 water vehicles and from the air 2 French, 2 Turkish and 1 Croatian aircraft.
Southern Rhodes is in a state of emergency
Due to the large fire raging for the sixth consecutive day, the municipal unit of South Rhodes was declared in a state of emergency by decision of the general secretary of Civil Protection.
The relevant decision issued today states, among other things, the following:
“We decide to declare a state of Civil Protection Emergency of the Municipal Unit of South Rhodes of the Municipality of Rodos of the Regional Unit of Rhodes of the South Aegean Region, to deal with the emergency needs and manage the consequences arising from a catastrophic forest fire that occurred on 18-07-2023 in the above areas in accordance with the above 8 and 9 regarding. The declaration in question will be valid from the date of occurrence of the phenomena and for six (6) months, i.e. until January 18, 2024. After the end of the specified time, the above State of Civil Protection Emergency will be lifted, without a new document.”
Flight cancellations to Rhodes
Jet2 canceled all flights and travel packages expected to depart for Rhodes until July 30, the company announced in a new statement.
“Due to these extraordinary circumstances, we have canceled until Sunday 30 July all flights and packages due to depart for Rhodes,” the statement said on Twitter.
“We believe this is the right thing for everyone.”
At the same time, EasyJet announced that its flights to Rhodes are still operating – but the company has canceled all holiday packages to the Greek island until Wednesday, according to the BBC. While flights are continuing as normal, EasyJet said anyone booked to travel before July 29 can change their flight to another date free of charge or request a voucher.
On the contrary, Ryanair announced that its flights to and from Rhodes are operating normally despite the fires raging on the island. Normally, her flights continue as well British Airways.
The British Foreign Office has issued a travel advisory advising Britons planning to travel to Rhodes to contact their travel agents and hotels before departing for the Greek island. In a new directive issued today, the British Foreign Office also urged British tourists to follow the instructions of local authorities and call 112 if there is immediate danger.
Tourists remain in closed stadiums and gymnasiums
At the same time, tourists remain in closed gyms and stadiums. In the indoor stadium of Ialyssos, the tourists with a big wave of solidarity. At the same time, the inhabitants of the island themselves are open to hosting tourists even in their homes.
Source: Skai
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