Raging wildfires spread across Greek island holiday hotspot as hotels and homes are ‘evacuated’ – The Sun
RAGING wildfires have spread across a Greek island holiday hotspot with locals and tourists “evacuated”.
The night sky was turned orange as the burning blazes left a trail of destruction in their wake in Crete.
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Authorities said evacuations were ordered at three sites outside the port of Ierapetra on the island’s south coast.
More than 150 firefighters were operating in the area, while water-dropping planes and helicopters remained grounded overnight.
Several locals were treated for breathing difficulties, according to officials.
Thick smoke was seen rising into the night sky as the wildfires continued to spread towards residential areas.
Despite the size of the blaze there have been no immediate reports of serious injuries, said officials.
Homes were reported damaged as flames swept through hillside forests, fanned by strong winds.
It comes after wildfires in Turkey spread across holiday hotspots and caused havoc across the country.
Airports were hit by travel chaos after the dangerous blazes.
Wildfires erupted in popular areas Kuyucak and Doganbey fanned overnight by winds which reached 25-30mph.
Four villages and two neighbourhoods were forced to evacuate, Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said.
And while those in Sakarya and Manisa are now largely under control, Izmir remains a hotspot for the flames.
More than 50,000 people have been evacuated since the wildfires started.
Adnan Menderes Airport was forced to temporarily close due to the raging wildfires, with some incoming planes forced to divert to other airports.
Extinguishing efforts prevented jets from taking off or landing at the airport on Sunday.
Meanwhile, a Brit tourist died on a cruise ship travelling through another popular Greek island.
The 67-year-old man passed away on the vessel “flying the Maltese flag” in the port of holiday hotspot.
