UK Foreign Office updates advice for Greece amid huge wildfires
24.07.2023 - 11:09
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The UK Foreign Office has issued a travel update for Greece as wildfires continue to blaze. Parts of Corfu and Rhodes were evacuated over the weekend as wildfires swept the islands on opposite sides of the country.
Shocking photos showed plumes of smoke and orange fires as night fell in Corfu on Sunday as the blaze entered its sixth day. It comes as parts of Europe experienced temperatures of up to 44C amid a heatwave impacting continental Europe.
As of this morning, some 10,000 Britons are estimated to still be on Rhodes, with repatriation flights to rescue holidaymakers landing back in the UK. Among the chaos, the Foreign Office updated its advice to those stuck abroad.
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On Sunday, its latest update read: "Extreme temperatures are affecting many areas of Greece and there are a number of active wildfires. If you are a British national affected by wildfires, 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 established a Crisis Management Unit to respond to the situation in Rhodes. They can be contacted on +30 210 368 1730, +30 210 368 1259 and +30 210 368 1350.
"In the first instance, contact your airline or travel operator who can assist you with return travel to the UK. For 24/7 British consular assistance, call +44 20 7008 5000."
The Foreign Office told outgoing holidaymakers in the update: "If you are planning to travel to any areas affected by wildfires, please check with your travel operator or hotel prior to travel that the area you plan to visit."
An easyJet spokeswoman said the company is doing “all