Fiery nightmare in Crete: tourists mass-evacuated due to wildfire (video)
A large wildfire in southern Crete has spiraled out of control. Hundreds of tourists and local residents are being urgently evacuated — the flames have reached hotels and private homes.
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On the evening of July 2, a massive forest fire broke out in the Ferma area, near Ierapetra on the island of Crete. Due to strong winds reaching up to 9 on the Beaufort scale, the fire spread rapidly and reached tourist zones.
The authorities immediately ordered a mass evacuation: people are being moved from hotels, rental homes, and residential neighborhoods.
More than 230 firefighters, 13 foot teams, 46 vehicles, and drones have been deployed to combat the fire. Ten helicopters have taken to the air, one of which is coordinating the operation. Police, emergency services, and army units are on the ground.
The situation remains critical — the fire front is breaking into multiple hot spots.
The Ministry of Civil Protection warns the public to stay away from the disaster area and avoid interfering with the rescue operation. The cause of the fire is still being investigated, but July is traditionally the most fire-prone month.
Earlier, it was reported that a massive fire had broken out on the Greek island of Chios — the flames are rapidly spreading through forests and fields, threatening populated areas. Hundreds of residents are fleeing their homes, some villages have been cut off from assistance, and firefighters are struggling to contain the blaze.