Thousands of holidaymakers in one of Greece‘s top tourist destinations have been evacuated as the island is gripped by raging wildfire.
Many Brits are stranded as the large blaze on the paradise island of Rhodes is now into its fifth day of burning, with firefighters battling to bring it under control.
The fire is one of several to break out in Greece and wider Europe amidst a scorching heatwave which has seen temperatures exceeding the 40C mark.
Images show masses of tourists and locals being evacuated and forced to trudge with their suitcases as ominous, thick orange smoke circles the sky behind.
Local reports say as many as 10,000 people have been evacuated from 12 hotels.
Rhodes’ wildfire was initially confined just to the island’s mountainous area, but began spreading on Saturday to the more heavily populated central eastern side after the dangerously-high temperatures and strong winds pushed it east.
According to Greek authorities, around 2,000 people were rescued by boats collecting people from the beaches, whilst local media reports that six adults and two children were treated for minor smoke inhalation problems.
Texts were sent to residents in four localities, including Kiotari and Lardo, urging them to evacuate, fire service spokesman Yanni Artopios said on Saturday afternoon, while 200 firefighters continue to fight the flames.
Some 40 fire engines are at the scenes while three planes and five helicopters were also being used to assist in the emergency.
Local emergency services had also drafted in 31 firefighters from Slovakia to help, Mr Artopios said.
Beaches were also evacuated, with four vessels from the coastguard and army as well as more than 20 private boats used in the mission to rescue more than 1,000 bring beachgoers and bring them to safety.
One British woman, Becky Mulligan, told the BBC she was stuck in a beach shack with hundreds of others in the searing heat.
‘There’s just a small shack here and there’s so many of us,’ said Ms Mulligan, who is staying on the island with her sister and daughter.
‘There’s children, it’s the middle of the day, we are just stuck here with no help, it’s disgusting.’
James Hall, a British tourist currently holidaying on the island, said he and many others had to drag their suitcases for ‘two hours’ in the 40C heat after being sent the warning text from Greek authorities.
‘After the two hour walk we took refuge in a hotel,’ Mr Hall told Sky News.
‘If we see any fire on a nearby hilltop we’ll have to evacuate again.’
He added: ‘If you were in a wheelchair the chances of you getting out in a timely manner were pretty much nil. There was very little help.’
Angry holidaymakers have also hit out at different airlines, saying they have heard nothing about emergency flight arrangements.
Paul Kalburgi, describing the scene, wrote on Twitter: ‘Currently stranded in #Rhodes escaping the wildfires on foot – left everything at the hotel and fled with towels across our faces.
‘My youngest just told me he doesn’t want to die. No news from any authorities. Terrifying situation here.’
The Fire Service has designated almost the whole eastern part of the mainland, plus the islands of Evia and Rhodes as well as large swaths of the southwest, as Category 5, the highest for the risk of fire outbreaks Sunday.
A further good chunk of the country has been designated Category 4, very high risk.
There will be a brief respite in the heat wave Monday, but it will resume Tuesday and could last until at least Friday, meteorologists have warned.
Firefighting forces from eight European Union countries are either operating or due to arrive soon, Artopios said. Israel, Jordan and Turkey have also sent reinforcements, mostly aerial equipment.
Holiday company Tui has said staff were working to relocate customers staying in the affected parts of the island while flights to and from Rhodes were continuing to operate as normal.
A Tui spokesperson said: ‘We’re aware of wildfires in an area in the south of Rhodes and our teams in resort are following advice from the local authorities.
‘A small number of hotels have been impacted and as a precaution we’re relocating affected customers and providing them with alternative accommodation.
Meteorologists have warned this weekend could become Greece’s hottest in July for 50 years, as temperatures are expected to hit 45C.
The Cerberus heatwave has blighted several countries in Europe, including Italy and Croatia, over recent days, bringing intense heat which has seen residents taking cover indoors and even forced on British couple to abandon their Greek holiday due to unbearable heat.
