The ongoing evacuation process of the Alexandroupolis hospital, initiated last night, continues as a massive fire engulfs the surrounding area. The decision to evacuate the hospital was made in the presence of Deputy Minister of Health Marios Themistokleous and EKAV's (National Center for Emergency Assistance) president Nikos Papaefstathiou, both of whom travelled to Alexandroupoli last night.
Due to the fire's rapid spread, patients are being transported by ambulance to healthcare facilities within the 4th Health Region. The fire began in the early hours of Saturday and has now extended to settlements within the Municipality of Alexandroupolis. Despite the relentless efforts of firefighters, the fire's destructive path persists due to strong winds sweeping through the area.
After 1:00 AM, the flames were visible near the hospital. The fire's progression prompted the evacuation of coastal settlements west of the city after 2:00 AM. These settlements include Dikela, Makri, Nea Chili, Elaionas, Ai-Giorgis, Plaka, Nenato, and Pefki.
In response to the crisis, tourists and residents from affected areas are heading towards Alexandroupoli as directed by the Civil Protection authorities through emergency number 112.
Places of Shelter and Assistance
Around 3:00 AM, the Municipality of Alexandroupolis announced via social media that evacuees may seek shelter at the "Michalis Paraskevopoulos" indoor gym, the KEGE indoor gym, and the Municipal Theater.
Churches such as Agia Kyriaki, Agios Nikolaos, Agios Nektarios, the Transfiguration of the Savior, and the Zarifios Academy have also opened their doors to provide shelter to those affected.
Other accommodations include the port's parking lot, the departure hall and parking lot of the "Dimokritos" airport, and the EOT beach.
Temporary shelter options extend to the 3rd and 4th floors of the Evros Chamber of Commerce building on Demokratia Avenue and the Reading Room on Joakeim Kaviris Street.
Christodoulos Topsidis, the president of the Chamber, expressed their support on social media, stating, "In solidarity with the challenging situation Alexandroupolis is facing, the Evros Chamber's building is available for those who have been displaced from their homes or for tourists awaiting transportation after leaving their hotels."
Topsidis also emphasized the Chamber's commitment to aiding crisis management efforts. A government delegation, including officials like Deputy Minister of the Interior Stathis Konstantinidis and Deputy Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Christos Triantopoulos, visited Evros to assess the situation and coordinate responses.
