Rhodes wildfire forces thousands of evacuations, tourists flee

[william]

• Greece moves 19,000 people to safety, some by boat
• Tourists flee hotels, gather on beaches
• Operators cancel flights to Rhodes
• Climate change exacerbates heatwaves

RHODES, Greece, July 23 (Reuters) - Thousands of tourists and residents fleeing wildfires on the Greek island of Rhodes took refuge in schools and shelters on Sunday, with many evacuated on private boats from beaches as flames threatened resorts and coastal villages.

Thousands spent the night on beaches and streets.

Tour operators Jet2, TUI and Correndon cancelled flights leaving for Rhodes, which lies southeast of mainland Greece and is famous for its beaches and historic sites. The fire left trees black and skeletal. Dead animals lay in the road near burnt-out cars.

Rhodes wildfire forces thousands of evacuations, tourists flee

Thousands spent the night outdoors and tour operators Jet2 and TUI canceled flights departing for Rhodes, while Greek authorities said it was among the biggest evacuation operations the country had conducted.

www.reuters.com