Meeting on Rhodes fire held by Greek Tourism Minister

The toughest fires so far are on Rhodes and Corfu, the Fire Brigade's spokesperson Yiannis Artopios said on Tuesday, while the other fires have rekindlings, ANA reports.

The rekindling early on Tuesday morning in the region of Vati, Southeast Rhodes, resulted in evacuation orders through the 112 emergency notification system, calling on residents to leave in the direction of Lindos. A total of 266 firefighters, 16 rough terrain teams, 55 water trucks, several volunteers, and Civil Protection agencies are constantly operating in the region, Artopios said, aided by 9 airplanes and 4 helicopters that operate during the day. 

A lot of rekindlings are also noted in Northeast Rhodes, he added. The spokesperson said evacuated villages included Imerolia and Syki (toward Kassiopi's port), while operating in the area are 62 firefighters 3 rough terrain units, 21 water trucks and, per need, 6 aircraft and 4 helicopters.

At the island of Evia, in Platanisto of the Karystos area, and Dervenaki Egialias in Achaia (northern Peloponnese), there are several rekindlings of fires "so far managed by powerful land and air forces allocated in those areas," Artopios said.

On the Ionian island of Corfu, conditions are difficult at the Loutses village (Northeast Corfu) and those of Syki and Imerolia, closer to the coast. At Loutses, flames have reached courtyards of homes and destroyed a carpentry facility.

Tourists in these areas have been transported to the town hall of Acharavi, North Corfu, while all possible forces including the police and residents with volunteers have thrown themselves at the effort to put the fire out. Thick smoke obstructs efforts, and ambulances as well as doctors are on standby for emergencies.

Evacuations are continuing along the area, with Kalamaki and Apraos residents also notified by 112 to evacuate toward the port of Kassiopi.

An emergency meeting on the Rhodes fire was also held earlier by Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni.

At the meeting, she praised "the stance and reaction of Rhodes residents who acted in exemplary fashion and self-sacrifice" in helping foreign tourists displaced from accommodations by the fire in the center of the island. The ministry's crisis management unit was effective and will be further boosted.

Furthermore, a future action plan to promote the island globally as a uniquely beautiful and safe destination is to be implemented, as are actions such as Rhodes' upgraded participation in the WTM (World Travel Market) global fair in London in November.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report

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