Wildfires Force Thousands to Evacuate Crete, Athens

Severe wildfires fueled by gale-force winds and extreme heat have swept across Crete and areas near Athens, forcing the evacuation of over 5,000 tourists and residents, especially in the Ierapetra region. The fires have destroyed homes, olive groves, hospitality businesses, forests, and several villages, impacting popular tourist destinations. Hundreds of firefighters, helicopters, and drones have been deployed, with some evacuations requiring sea transport due to blocked roads. Local shelters and hospitals are on high alert, and authorities have closed roads and issued emergency warnings as fire risks remain high amid the ongoing heatwave. The tourism sector has suffered major disruptions with hotel cancellations and infrastructure damage. No deaths have been reported in Greece, but neighboring Turkey has seen fatalities from similar wildfires.