Updated 02:11 | Published at 01:48
The heavy fires in the Greek archipelago continue.
During Sunday evening, the next evacuation order came – this time from the island of Corfu, where the fires are now raging in at least 18 areas.
Just hours after the evacuation of thousands of people in Rhodes, residents and tourists on the island of Corfu were ordered to take shelter.
The fires on Corfu broke out in several places on Sunday. In the afternoon, orders came to evacuate at least 18 places on the island as the heavy fires spread quickly and mercilessly, the Evening Standard reports.
According to the latest reports, the fires are spreading southeast over a large area and private boats were on site to pick up evacuees
Thousands evacuated
Overnight into Sunday, hundreds of firefighters struggled to control 82 fires across Greece, which has been hit hard by extreme heat recently. 64 of the fires started on Sunday, which is estimated to have been the hottest day this summer, with temperatures of 45 degrees in several places.
On Sunday, 19,000 people had been evacuated from Rhodes, which was hit hardest by the fires, which have now been going on for almost a week.
It is the largest evacuation due to fires in the country’s history.
EU countries assist
More than 450 firefighters and seven aircraft have been dispatched from other EU countries to assist Greece, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged on Sunday evening to continue helping the country.
“I called Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to express our full support for Greece, which is now suffering from terrible forest fires and a severe heat wave due to climate change. Greece is handling the situation professionally by safely evacuating thousands of tourists and can always count on European solidarity,” tweeted Ursula von der Leyen.
Next week, temperatures are expected to drop slightly and stay below the 40-degree mark. The hope is that it will provide some relief and make it easier to stop the progress of the fires.