Tourists Struggle in the Largest Evacuation on Rhodes – Island in Greece

The forest fire disaster on the island of Rhodes has been ongoing for nearly a week, along with nearby islands Corfu and Evia, causing tens of thousands of tourists and local residents to evacuate to safer destinations. Photo: AP

CNN has called this the “largest evacuation in the country’s history” as nearly 19,000 people were evacuated from Rhodes by road and sea since July 22. The government referred to this operation as “the largest effort Greece has ever seen.”

People rushed to the streets to await evacuation vehicles. The forest fires affected the southeast region, while the west and north remained safe. Photo: Salt wire

In the photos, tourists from affected hotels in the area rushed to the streets for evacuation. Most left their suitcases and only carried essential items in small bags. Photo: AFP

In Rhodes, tourists described the fire as “chaotic and terrifying.” Some had to walk or find their own means of transportation after being ordered to evacuate the fire-affected area.
Amy Leyden, a British tourist, said she was told to leave the hotel immediately. “It was terrifying. A couple with an 11-year-old daughter walked on the road at 2 a.m., and the flames caught up with us.” Photo: Alamy

Tourists left their accommodations and gathered at a sports center in the unaffected area of the fire. They were provided with mats and blankets for rest.
The forest fires in the central and southern parts of Rhodes are the largest in Greece’s history. Experts predict that this could also be the longest-lasting wildfire recorded in the country. Photo: AP

Many exhausted tourists took naps at the sports center despite it being daytime.
Cedric Guisset, a Belgian tourist, said he had to leave the hotel since July 22 and “didn’t know where to go.” As the fire spread, most tourists only had time to grab their identification documents, water, and “something to cover their faces and heads.” Photo: Reuters

In the photos, some tourists arrived at the island’s stadium on July 23 to escape the wildfires.
Turkey, Croatia, and Egypt are assisting Greek firefighting forces. Hotels, schools, sports centers, and conference centers have opened their doors to accommodate evacuees. Photo: Reuters

The island’s airport is crowded with people waiting for their turn to board flights home these days. The photo was taken on July 24.
Tour operators have announced the cancellation of all flights bringing tourists to the resort island following the forest fire outbreak until after July 25. They will then assess the situation to continue organizing tours. Photo: Reuters

Many tourists sat on the floor due to a lack of seats. Many others lay on inflatable rafts, an item typically brought along for beach trips.
The Greek Foreign Ministry announced that a specialized support unit would be established to assist tourists wishing to return home. Photo: AFP

Tired young tourists lean on luggage carts at the airport while waiting to board their flights. Photo: AFP