Aerial footage shows devastation as huge wildfires spread across Greek holiday island Rhodes

Aerial footage shows devastation as huge wildfires spread across Greek holiday island Rhodes

BRITISH families are experiencing holidays from hell in the "war-zone" of Rhodes as they are forced to flee burning hotels, wade through water and sleep on gym floors.

Up to 19,000 locals and tourists are on the move in the biggest evacuation effort Greece has ever seen due to the wildfires spinning out of control on the popular island.

Over 16,000 people were evacuated by land and 3,000 by sea from 12 villages and several hotels - many of which were Brits.

Extraordinary scenes show columns of people carrying their luggage and children on dirt roads as they try to find safety.

Many found temporary refuge on the beach as they waited in darkness overnight to be transported to safety by boats.

Other fleeing Brits have spent the night in makeshift camps across the island - with young kids forced to sleep on mattresses in classrooms and gyms.

British Embassy officials in Athens urged Brits to leave the area on Saturday evening - as holidays and flights to Rhodes continue to be cancelled.

The Foreign Office has also scrambled an evacuation team in.

The British ambassador to Greece, Mathew Lodge, said the Foreign Office had sent a "rapid deployment team" to help UK tourists who were among thousands forced to run for their lives.

Over 250 firefighters, backed by aircraft water-bombers and reinforcements from Slovakia, battled three fronts on Sunday in the biggest blaze Greece has ever seen.

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[deliamurphy]

So sorry for the Greek people losing their homes in such an auful way. If your still at home and fires appear, get your passport, medication, food, water ready just in case you need to leave fast. Fill a small rucksack with a thick coat you can sleep on. Be prepared. God bless you all. From Ireland.

[nicksmith]

I live in Perth, Western Australia where wildfires are a constant threat in summer. Helicopters and water bombing aircraft are always a distraction whilst driving! God bless all of the volunteers that give their lives to protect us. Unsung hero’s in my eyes.

[missmaryhdream]

Poor Rhodes, it's a good place, to visit and the people are so kind x sad for the fire, to endanger, people olive groves, and wild life, so sad.

[ThisIsFlame]

Me and my family came back from there 3 weeks ago, my sister got horribly burnt in the first day and we couldn’t go on the beach because of the sand. The hotel we been to was heavily destroyed by the fire.

Prayers for Rhodes 🙏

[aoifewalsh]

I'm sad to think of the devastating effect this will have not just for humans but any wildlife and the plants too. It will take a long time to recover from this. Sending love to all those who live this disaster.💚

[grichards]

I went a few yrs ago, and the heat that island takes is unreal. And that’s was in a normal summer temp. Never felt anything like it. Even the sand was unbearable. Feel so sorry for the people & animals there 😢

[geejaybee]

Why are all the news outlets not reporting the causes of the fires and letting people believe they were spontaneously started by extreme temperature, when actually they were arson as had been stated by the Greek authorities?

[GarryShepherdDreamGazePostPunk]

Many locals will need to start over again, one day your house is there then its gone😢

[theCybershot]

Thanks for showing us the efforts to try and control those fires feel sorry for the people and wildlife.

[Myhonestopinion]

I was in faliraki and Rhodes just 3 weeks ago I came back.. it’s beautiful place and plenty of lovely cats.. it was warm.. like people said to us it wasn’t raining long time.. sad to see what’s happening in summer time everywhere, like 2-3 years ago in Australia.. I hope you all in Rhodes will be okay ❤

[pe]

I pray for the animals that lost their homes.

[jonathanhart]

I wish the news would tell the truth about this accidental arson

[davidrogers]

A beautiful, friendly island i love so much, been 8 times and loved it every time . My heart goes out to the people effected by the fires .❤ i hope they get them under control very soon ❤

[randyschwaggins]

And in England we've had loads of rain!!
Just bad for everyone isnt it?

[ATAndreiThomas]

It's like hell just broke loose and these horrifying images are so hellish, I seriously do hope that these people get to safety and may God protect them and the animals too, my prayers go to Greece.

[salemdhorbani]

يا لطيف يا لطيف ألطف بنا و الطف بجميع المؤمنين آمين يا ربّ العالمين

[anitavisram]

So Sorry for ALL those affected by the fires in Greece. Just dreadful. Wish I was a billionair and could donate and make things right for them.

[zoesevern]

I came home from this island with my husband the day after the fire first started. I have no words! Such a beautiful island. I love the heat but it was even so hot for me. It reached 45°c at times. Even to breathe in was hot

[jacobfuller]

Currently in Kathalos in Rhodes right now and we’ve had to sleep on the beach for the last 2 days as there’s no accommodation, And everyone has tripled their prices. Shame really.

[Jeremyb]

Something is very suspicious about all these WILD FIRES