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Is it safe to travel to Greece during the wildfires?

THOUSANDS of people have had their holidays disrupted due to wildfires sweeping across Greece.

Holidaymakers are now wondering whether it is safe to travel to the Greek islands.

Thousands of residents and tourists have been forced to flee in the biggest evacuation effort Greece has ever seen
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Thousands of residents and tourists have been forced to flee in the biggest evacuation effort Greece has ever seenCredit: AP

Where are the fires in Greece?

On July 22, 2023, thousands of locals and British tourists were urged to evacuate parts of Rhodes as an out-of-control wildfire swept across the Greek holiday island.

Greek authorities said it is the largest evacuation mission that has ever taken place in the country.

British Embassy officials in Athens urged Brits to leave the area on Saturday evening.

Authorities have warned that the battle to contain the flames, raging in the middle of peak tourism season for Rhodes, would take several days.

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On July 25, holidaymakers were warned of an "extreme fire risk" in Crete and a "Level 5" alert was issued.

Areas of Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Lasithi were named as at risk.

Is it safe to travel to Greece?

The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for Brits as devastating wildfires rip through Europe.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has urged holidaymakers to remain in touch with tour operators before going on their holidays

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: "The safety of British nationals is our top priority. I encourage those in Rhodes, and those with family and friends there, to continue checking FCDO travel advice for updates."

What has the Foreign Office said about travelling to Greece?

The Foreign Office said: ''If you are a British national affected by wildfires in Rhodes near Kiotari, Pefkoi, Lindos and the surrounding area, please follow the guidance from the emergency services.

''Call the Greek Emergency Services on 112 if you are in immediate danger.''

The Greek government has also established a Crisis Management Unit to respond to the situation in Rhodes.

They can be contacted on +30 210 368 1730.

For 24/7 British consular assistance, call +4420 7008 5000.

The Foreign Office added: ''If you are planning to travel to Rhodes, please check with your travel operator or hotel prior to travel that the area you plan to visit is not impacted by the current wildfires.

“The situation can change quickly, so you should stay up to date with official advice, follow 112 Greece on Twitter for official updates (you may need to translate the tweets to English).

"Ensure emergency alerts are enabled on your phone to receive SMS updates from the Greek Civil Protection.”

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Guidance has also been provided on  and .

You can also register on the  to receive emergency alerts.

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