Rhodes ‘like a warzone’ as terrified Brits fend for themselves on Greek island
Panicked Brits have been left “forced to flee” their hotels after the Greek island of Rhodes became “like a warzone” as wildfire’s tore through the area.
One family says Britons on the island have been left to “fend for themselves” as thousands of tourists have been displaced and hundreds evacuated by boat as the wildfire spread to hotels in Kiotari on Saturday.
One woman, who was speaking to The Mirror, said her friend and her family had become stranded as they attempted to flee their hotel on foot. They became trapped in the 40C heat and were stuck at the airport with no passport or money.
Meanwhile Eileen Mawton, her daughter Hannah Gormley and eight-year-old granddaughter Annabelle are among the estimated 10,000 people forced to leave, after their Jet2 holiday hotel – the Princess Sun Hotel – began to catch fire.
READ MORE: ‘We cut short our £2.5k Greek holiday after temperatures reached 43C’
Family friend Glynis Wall says the trio were on holiday at the resort and began to worry when ominous clouds appeared on Friday. They said the hotel managers left leaving guests to wait for rescue coaches that reportedly “never turned up”.
They instead decided to leave for another hotel, Gennadi Grand Resort – which was then also evacuated.
Glynis said: “They said it was like images of a warzone. Everyone around them was panicking. There were children and babies crying and mothers trying to protect them from the smoke.
“They noticed it was getting cloudy and they could see a helicopter pouring water over the fire on Friday. It was getting worse and worse and everyone panicked.
“Really, Jet2 should have started evacuating then rather than waiting until it was licking at their ankles.”
Don’t miss… Holidaymakers left scrambling as wildfires tear through gorgeous Greek island[LATEST]
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Eileen, Hannah and her daughter were eventually able to get to the airport after a lift from a passer-by. But in a panic, left a handbag with their money in it inside the car.
Glynis, said the three were now trapped at the airport and hoping to get an emergency flight home. “I don’t think the holiday companies appreciate how serious it is,” she added.
“They need to send rescue flights out and get people home. I don’t think they’ll be wanting to go on holiday again anytime soon.”
The Rhodes wildfire is the worst of several currently battering Greece. It was initially contained to mountainous areas inland before strong winds caused it to spread to the populated areas of Kiotari and Lardo.
Texts were sent to people in four localities urging them to evacuate, with around 200 firefighters currently fighting the blaze with the help of helicopters and planes. Greek authorities say around 2,000 people have been rescued from beaches by both private boats and vessels sent by the coastguard and army.
A Jet2 spokeswoman said: “We are aware of the fast-moving situation in Rhodes, and our in-resort teams are working tirelessly to comply with the guidance of local authorities.
“The health, safety and well-being of our customers will always be our number one priority and we ask any customers in affected areas to follow the advice of the local authorities, as well as their hoteliers, who will be acting under the advice of the authorities.
“In addition to our in-resort team, we have a dedicated team set up in the UK who are working hard to ensure we can do everything we can for customers, including sending direct communications to keep them updated.”
Source: Read Full Article
