Massive fire rips through Rhodes, leaves much of the island without power and water

A massive fire broke out on the Greek island of Rhodes on Sunday, leaving large parts of the island without power and water.

The fire threatens the famed Valley of the Butterflies, the military base of Kalamona, and the village of Psinthos, all of which have been evacuated.

Currently, there are two fronts on the west side of the island One in the village of Tholos (Theologos) One in the village of Psinthos

Firefighters on the scene warned residents of nearby villages and settlements to evacuate as well, as the fire is quickly gaining ground and could spread very easily.

“The situation is very difficult and does not allow much optimism that the fire can be brought under control soon, due to the intensity of the winds that do not help the extinguishing work,” officers at the scene as told by local media.

More than 30 firefighters with 12 fire trucks, three fire corps on foot, volunteers, four aircraft and three helicopters, as well as the water dropping Russian Beriev-200, are currently operating at the fire front. Additional firefighters are expected from Samos and Athens.

So far there are no reports of injuries or people in hospital due to respiratory problems.

The fire was in a mountain forest 30 kilometers (19 miles) east of Patras, Greece's third-largest city, Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis said.

The Civil Protection Agency used the 112 European Emergency Number to send text messages to the residents of four villages, including two in the mountains and another two also by the sea. to evacuate.

Greek media claimed some villagers refused to leave and were instead trying to diffuse the fire with garden hoses.

The heatwave gripping the nation is expected to peak on Monday, as temperatures are set to rise from 42C to 46C (107.6F to 114.8F).

Temperatures are also predicted to stay at 40C (104F) or above in Greece until at least Friday, meteorologists have said.