
A massive three-front wildfire on the popular holiday island of Rhodes was burning for a sixth straight day in the central and southeast part of the large isle, despite the intense efforts of hundreds of fire-fighters, emergency crews and volunteers.
The blaze has caused the evacuation of thousands of tourists and local residents, with the flames reaching several coastal hotels and resorts and surrounding inland villages. Images of the inferno were broadcast around the world, with the wildfire leading off the newscasts of several international media outlets.
A heatwave in the eastern Mediterranean, affecting much of Greece, along with arid soil conditions, has caused a high alert in much of the country for wildfire risks.
Water-dropping aircraft began operating at dawn on Sunday, while evacuated people were being hosted in gymnasiums, available hotel rooms and other lodgings. Many of the evacuees, roughly 2,500, were taken off beaches by private tour boats and coast guard vessels.
The calamity is accompanied by power outages and loss of mobile phone service in parts of the island, due to burned power pylons and cell sites in affected areas.
In terms of only fire brigade forces battling the blazes, 266 fire-fighters in the field were using 49 fire trucks and related vehicles, and aided by five water-dropping helicopters and 10 fixed-winged aircraft. Another 10 vehicles with 60 fire brigade personnel were in transit to the island, which lies in the southeast Aegean.
Back in Athens, during a daily press briefing, fire brigade spokesman Yiannis Artopios said the blaze was caused by “human intervention”, with an ongoing preliminary investigation collecting evidence and issuing summonses for statements.
“Fires are the result of human intervention, what’s under review is whether this is due to negligence or intent,” he said.


Latest News

Trump Tariffs Jeopardize Growth: Piraeus Chamber of Commerce
The tariffs, aimed at reducing the U.S. trade deficit, are expected to have both direct and indirect effects on the European economy

EU Condemns Trump Tariffs, Prepares to Retaliate
As tensions escalate, the EU is expected to continue negotiations with Washington while preparing for potential economic retaliation.

The Likely Impact of Trump Tariffs on Europe and Greece
Trump tariffs are expected to negatively affect economic growth in the Eurozone while Greece's exports could take a hit.

Motor Oil Results for 2024: Adjusted EBITDA of 995 mln€; Proposed Dividend of 1.4€ Per Share
Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 was down 33% yoy. The adjusted profit after tax for 2024 stood at 504 million euros, a 43% decrease from the previous year

Cost of Living: Why Greece’s 3% Inflation Is Raising Alarm
Greece appears to be in a more difficult position when it comes to price hikes, just as we enter the era of Trump’s tariffs.

Fitch Ratings Upgrades the Four Greek Systemic Banks
NBG’s upgrade reflects the bank’s ongoing improvements in its credit profile, Fitch notes in its report, including strong profitability, a reduction in non-performing exposures (NPEs), and lower credit losses

Trump to Announce Sweeping New Tariffs Wednesday, Global Retaliation Expected
With Trump's announcement just hours away, markets, businesses, and foreign governments are bracing for the fallout of one of the most aggressive shifts in U.S. trade policy in decades.

Inflation in Greece at 3.1% in March, Eurostat Reports
Average inflation in the eurozone settled at 2.2%, compared to 2.3% in February

Greece’s Unemployment Rate Drops to 8.6% in February
Despite the overall decline, unemployment remains higher among women and young people.

Jerry Kalogiratos Highlights Key Role of Energy Transition and Data Demand in LNG Outlook
Energy transition and the prospects of LNG were discussed at Capital Link’s 19th Annual International Maritime Forum, during a panel discussion with Jerry Kalogiratos (Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp.)