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Greece wildfires trigger state of emergency, 5,000 evacuated

The wildfire is being driven by 50 mph winds, triggering flare-ups that are making containment efforts difficult for firefighters

Greece wildfires, Greece wildfire, Crete wildfire, evacuation, Greek holiday island, gale-force winds, Emergency alerts, Greece public warning, fire, village of Achlia, flames, Ferma, SkinokapsalaFirefighters use a hose as they try to extinguish the blaze near the town of Ierapetra on the south coast of Crete island, Greece. (Credit: AP)

A massive wildfire has forced the evacuation of thousands on the Greek holiday island of Crete, as gale-force winds and scorching temperatures fuel the blaze across southeastern parts of the island.

Emergency alerts were sounded on Wednesday through Greece’s public warning system after a fire broke out near the village of Achlia. The flames rapidly spread across forested areas, with active fronts now reported in Achlia, Ferma, and Skinokapsala.

More than 5,000 people had been evacuated from homes and tourist resorts in and around Ierapetra. Most evacuees are foreign tourists staying in local hotels. At least 200 people are being sheltered in a sports hall in Ierapetra, according to Manolis Tzarakis, president of the Southeast Crete Hoteliers’ Association who spoke to a local radio station.

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The wildfire is being driven by 50 mph winds, triggering flare-ups that are making containment efforts difficult for firefighters. As of now, a large-scale response is underway, involving 230 firefighters, 46 fire engines, 13 ground teams, a drone surveillance unit, and 10 helicopters.

Authorities have reported extensive damage, with homes, greenhouses, villas, hotels, and businesses destroyed in both inland and coastal areas. Properties have reduced to rubbles, locals are experiencing power outage, and police have shut the main road in Agia Fotia. Evacuation orders have extended to Ferma, Agia Fotia, Galini, and Koutsounari.

Stranded individuals were evacuated by boat. Hospitals in Crete are on high alert with elderly residents hospitalised for respiratory issues due to smoke inhalation. Residents have been urged to avoid non-essential travel due to falling ash and extreme heat.

This disaster comes as Europe battles an early summer heatwave. Earlier this week, wildfires in Turkey’s Izmir province forced over 50,000 evacuations. At least six heat-related deaths have been reported across Spain, Italy, and France.

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