The wildfires on the Greek island of Rhodes continued to rage on July 23, 2023, forcing the evacuation of thousands of tourists and residents. The fires have been burning for several days, and are being fanned by strong winds. The fires have affected a number of popular tourist destinations, including the seaside villages of Kiotari, Gennadi, Pefki, Lindos, Lardos, and Kalathos. Many people have been forced to flee their hotels and homes, and some have been evacuated by boat. The Greek government has declared a state of emergency on Rhodes, and firefighters are working to contain the fires. However, the situation remains critical, and there is a risk that the fires could spread further.
Updates from July 23, 2023
The wildfires on the Greek island of Rhodes continued to rage on July 23, 2023, forcing the evacuation of thousands more people. The fires have been burning for several days, and are being fanned by strong winds.
The Spread of the Fires
The fires have continued to spread, and have now affected the entire island of Rhodes. The most affected areas are the seaside villages of Kiotari, Gennadi, Pefki, Lindos, Lardos, and Kalathos. The fires have also reached the island's airport, forcing it to close.
The Deployment of Emergency Personnel
The Greek government has deployed additional firefighters and other emergency personnel to the island. The European Union has also offered to provide assistance to Greece in fighting the fires.
The Impact of the Fires
The fires have had a devastating impact on the island of Rhodes. Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes, and many homes and businesses have been destroyed. The fires have also had a significant impact on the tourism industry, which is a major source of income for the island.
The Response of the International Community
The international community has responded to the wildfires with offers of assistance. The European Union has offered to provide Greece with firefighting aircraft and other equipment. The United States has also offered to help and has sent a team of experts to assess the situation.
The Cause of the Fires
The cause of the fires is still under investigation, but it is believed that they may have been started by lightning. However, some experts have also raised concerns that the fires may have been deliberately started.
The Impact on Tourists
The wildfires have had a devastating impact on the tourism industry in Rhodes. Many tourists have been forced to cancel their vacations, and the island's tourism industry is estimated to have lost millions of euros. Some tourists who were already on the island when the fires broke out were forced to flee their hotels and homes. Others were evacuated by boat to safety.
The Impact on Civil Aviation
The wildfires have also had a significant impact on civil aviation. Many flights to Rhodes have been canceled and some airports on the island have been closed. The closure of the airports has made it difficult for tourists to leave the island, and has also made it difficult for firefighters and other emergency personnel to reach the affected areas.
How to Help
There are a number of ways that people can help those affected by the wildfires on Rhodes. Here are a few ways:
Donate to relief organizations that are providing aid to those affected by the fires.
Contact your elected officials and urge them to support relief efforts.
Share information about the fires on social media and encourage others to donate or volunteer.
Contact Information
Here are some contact numbers and websites that people can use to get help or to connect with people who are lost:
Greek Red Cross: +30 210 322 2222
Rhodes Tourism Board: +30 22410 28000
Rhodes Airport: +30 22410 96000
Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs: +30 210 368 1000
How to Get Help
If you are in Rhodes and need help, please call the Greek Red Cross at +30 210 322 2222.
If you are outside of Rhodes and need to contact someone who is on the island, please call the Rhodes Tourism Board at +30 22410 28000.
You can also find more information about the fires and how to help on the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: https://www.mfa.gr/en/.
Please stay safe and help those in need.
The wildfires on the Greek island of Rhodes are a devastating disaster. The fires have caused widespread damage, and have forced the evacuation of thousands of people. The fires have also had a significant impact on the tourism industry in Rhodes, and have made it difficult for people to leave the island. There are a number of ways that people can help those affected by the wildfires. By donating to relief organizations, contacting your elected officials, and sharing information on social media, you can make a difference.
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