Tourist's heroic efforts in Rhodes wildfires: British man saves lives amidst chaos

Tourist's Heroic Efforts in Rhodes Wildfires

A British tourist from Attleborough, Jonathan Lewis, has emerged as a hero in the devastating wildfires that continue to ravage the Greek island of Rhodes. Ignoring dismissive attitudes, Mr. Lewis took it upon himself to rescue families amidst the chaos. With approximately 19,000 people forced to evacuate their homes and hotels, Rhodes has witnessed the largest evacuation in Greek history.

Evacuations and Chaos on Corfu

The nearby island of Corfu has also fallen victim to the inferno, with approximately 2,500 people evacuated from the northern part of the island. Popular among British tourists, Corfu has seen disturbing scenes of night skies ablaze and engulfed in smoke and an orange haze. Jet2 and Tui, two major holiday firms, have canceled all flights to Rhodes, leaving thousands of tourists stranded. However, these empty planes will now be used to evacuate those fleeing the blazes.

Ongoing Efforts and Support

Greek emergency services, including the army, have been working tirelessly to combat the wildfires and ensure the safety of residents and tourists. Despite the challenges posed by the fires and cyclical winds, thousands of people have been evacuated by land and sea. Holiday firms have canceled flights to Rhodes, while British Airways has offered flexible options for those scheduled to fly to the island. Efforts are being made to facilitate the early return of those already on the island.

The Resilience of Individuals

As the Greek islands of Rhodes and Corfu grapple with the devastating wildfires, the resilience and bravery of individuals like Jonathan Lewis shine through. The priority remains the safety and well-being of those affected, and the ongoing efforts of emergency services and support from the travel industry are crucial in mitigating the impact of this disaster. The Greek authorities are working tirelessly to bring the situation under control and provide assistance to those in need.