International

Crete wildfire: Thousands evacuated from tourist areas

A massive wildfire broke out on Wednesday in southeastern Crete, near the town of Ierapetra, forcing the evacuation of at least 3,000 people, including tourists, and causing extensive damage. The flames, fueled by strong wind gusts, quickly engulfed forested areas and residential settlements, Reuters reported.

Over 150 firefighters, along with dozens of fire engines and tankers, were mobilized to combat the blaze. Authorities evacuated four communities, including the tourist village of Achlia, as the fire continued to spread, exacerbated by the rugged terrain and winds that reignited previously extinguished flames.

"It's a very challenging fire, and efforts to control it are still ongoing," a fire department official told Reuters, speaking anonymously.

Local television stations reported that several homes were affected, but so far, thankfully, no casualties have been reported. Evacuees were transported to temporary shelters set up by the authorities.

Crete isn't the only affected region: on Wednesday evening, Greek firefighters were also battling other active fires on the island of Kythira and in the Chalkidiki region in the country's north. Greece frequently faces wildfires during hot and dry summers, but authorities warn that climate change has increased both the frequency and intensity of these extreme phenomena.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

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