The popular Greek island of Crete is currently the site of a fierce wildfire, leading to the evacuation of more than 1,500 individuals, predominantly tourists. As firefighters grappled with the flames amidst challenging conditions, harsh winds complicated their efforts to contain the blaze, which has been fueled by a severe heat wave affecting southern Europe.
More than 200 firefighters are fighting the flames from various fronts, according to Vassilis Vathrakoyiannis, a spokesman for Greece’s fire service. Despite their efforts, the situation remains volatile due to strong winds and the mountainous terrain making access difficult.
By Thursday morning, local authorities coordinated the evacuation, with approximately 1,200 of those displaced being vacationers in the area, as confirmed by Manolis Frangoulis, the mayor of Ierapetra located on the island's southwestern coast. Fortunately, there have been no injuries reported so far.
“It was like hell on earth,” said the mayor, describing the scene with flames igniting in various locations as the winds spread embers rapidly. This alarming event highlights the intensifying challenges of climate and weather patterns in the region, as Southern Europe continues to experience extreme conditions.
More than 200 firefighters are fighting the flames from various fronts, according to Vassilis Vathrakoyiannis, a spokesman for Greece’s fire service. Despite their efforts, the situation remains volatile due to strong winds and the mountainous terrain making access difficult.
By Thursday morning, local authorities coordinated the evacuation, with approximately 1,200 of those displaced being vacationers in the area, as confirmed by Manolis Frangoulis, the mayor of Ierapetra located on the island's southwestern coast. Fortunately, there have been no injuries reported so far.
“It was like hell on earth,” said the mayor, describing the scene with flames igniting in various locations as the winds spread embers rapidly. This alarming event highlights the intensifying challenges of climate and weather patterns in the region, as Southern Europe continues to experience extreme conditions.
