Have the wildfires put you off travelling abroad - vote in our poll

24 July 2023 , 11:38

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Over 19,000 holidaymakers were rescued from Rhodes 'in the biggest evacuation in Greek history' (Image: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Around 2,500 people have been evacuated from Corfu as devastating wildfires rip through the Greek island - and we want to know if your holiday plans have been affected.

This comes after more than 19,000 holidaymakers were rescued from Rhodes over the weekend in what has been described as “the biggest evacuation in Greek history”.

Flames tore through the northern part of the island of Corfu - which is popular with British tourists - on Sunday afternoon, before reaching a number of villages and towns in the area by the evening.

The Emergency Communications Service in Greece issued evacuation orders for 18 areas as a strong breeze and dry conditions saw fire spread rapidly in just a few hours.

People in the areas of Santa, Megoula, Porta, Palia Perithia and Sinies were told to evacuate immediately on Sunday evening. Less than an hour later, a further directive was announced, reading: "If you are in Viglatouri and Nisaki, evacuate now to Barbati."

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Boats in the area had been dispatched to evacuate residents by sea, a government official said. Around 260 firefighters, backed by 18 aircraft, were battling the blaze on Sunday.

Greece's fire service has warned the situation could worsen as further villages require evacuation and that the battle to contain the flames could take several days. Thousands of holidaymakers were camped out at Rhodes airport on Sunday, waiting for a flight to get out.

Families are continuing to flee tourist hotspots in Greece as flames created "hell like" conditions at the weekend - while officials have warned things could worsen as the Mediterranean heatwave continues.

Brit holidaymakers in Corfu have said the intense 40C heat on the island means they have been unable to be outside for more than five minutes at a time. Foreign office minister Andrew Mitchell has confirmed there are between 7,000 and 10,000 Britons currently in Rhodes.

Repatriation flights are due to arrive back in the UK today as parts of efforts to get hundreds of stranded British holidaymakers off the island. Emergency services have also been dealing with fires on the island of Evia, east of Athens and Aigio, southwest of Athens.

This comes just a week after wildfires broke out in Turkey prompting the evacuation of residential neighbourhoods affected by the blaze. Have the recent wildfires put you off your plans to travel abroad? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.

The Mirror will also be discussing the topic with you in the comments section below and you can join in! All you have to do is sign up, submit your comment, register your details and then you can take part.

Freya Hodgson