The Greek emergency communications service said yesterday (July 25) that towns in northeast Corfu were being threatened by advancing wildfires. Residents in Santa, Megoula, Porta, Palia Perithia and Sinies were told to shelter in the town of Kasiopi, while those in the popular resort of Nissaki were also ordered to leave. According to CBS News, 2 500 people have been evacuated from the island.
North Corfu Mayor Giorgos Mahimaris suspects the local fires may be the result of arson.
Last weekend, on the island of Rhodes about 19 000 people, mostly tourists, were evacuated from villages and hotels in what has been described as the largest ever fire evacuation in Greece’s history, while firefighters were trying to control 82 wildfires across the country, fuelled by strong winds and heatwaves. On Monday, July 24, a week-long wildfire had pushed past defences on the island, forcing more evacuations.
Greece is using an EU satellite service to estimate the fire damage and its photographs show an hourglass-shaped burn scar across the middle of that island.
Authorities said no serious injuries had been reported in the evacuations, but first aid had been provided to tourists and others, mostly for the effects of heat and dehydration.
Jet2 and TUI have cancelled flights and holidays to both Rhodes and Corfu, with Jet2 anticipating it will not fly there until next week. British Airways has said that customers who have booked Corfu holidays between now and July 30 can rebook to a later date free of charge.
According to government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis, on average 50 new fires had been breaking out every day for the past 12 days. "We are at war – completely focused on the fires,” said Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Travel companies and airlines are being urged to reimburse passengers deciding against flying to the island, reports The Guardian. TUI has said that passengers due to travel to Rhodes up to and including yesterday (July 25) would receive full refunds, while those due to depart today (July 26) would be able to receive a full refund or change at no charge to another holiday. EasyJet said those booked to travel to or from the island until yesterday would be able to transfer to another date or request a flight voucher.
Passengers travelling to Greece are advised to check with their travel operator to ensure their plans are not affected.
