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Irish travellers have been issued advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs regarding the ongoing wildfires currently engulfing parts of Greece.
Over 1,500 people have been evacuated from the Greek island of Crete since wildfires broke out on Wednesday evening as much of southern Europe faces scorching temperatures. The wildfires have spread rapidly due to strong gale force winds fanning the flames.
As hundreds of firefighters, emergency response helicopters and drones battle the blaze, locals and tourists have been evacuated from the area.
Crete is a popular tourist destination for Irish holidaymakers and the Department of Foreign Affairs have issued advice on Thursday to those currently on holidays in Greece or anyone hoping to travel to the country soon.
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The Department's latest Travel Alert for Greece states: "Greece is currently facing several wildfires following high summer temperatures and subsequent heatwaves. The risk of wildfires is expected to intensify in the coming weeks.
"In the case of a wildfire, the authorities will issue notifications regarding evacuations via the 112 message service to all mobile phones in the area. These will be provided in both English and Greek, and we would ask citizens to follow any advice received from local authorities.
"Stay fully informed of what is going on by monitoring local news and social media. Call the Greek Emergency Services on 112 if in immediate danger."
For any Irish people currently in Greece or intending to travel soon, they can register for emergency alerts from the Greek Government’s Emergency Communication Service on the Department's website.