Irish citizens currently residing on the Greek island of Rhodes have been advised to exercise caution and avoid areas affected by the ongoing wildfires. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued this warning as the fires, which were sparked by intense heat in Greece, continue to rage and have led to the evacuation of thousands of people from their homes on Rhodes.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the DFA emphasized the evolving nature of the situation and stressed the importance of complying with evacuation orders and following instructions from emergency services and local authorities. The spokesperson also highlighted the need for citizens planning to travel to Rhodes to check with their travel operator, agency, or hotel to determine if their intended destination has been impacted by the wildfires and subsequent evacuations. It is likely that travel disruptions will occur as a result.
The fires have already forced the evacuation of numerous individuals from this popular tourist destination. Overnight, the village of Laerma was engulfed in flames, resulting in the destruction of homes, churches, and hotels. The efforts of firefighters have been hindered by strong winds, making it challenging to extinguish the flames. Greek authorities have set up temporary shelters for tourists who have been displaced from their accommodations.
Citizens in immediate danger are strongly urged to contact the Greek Emergency Services by dialing 112. The DFA has advised individuals to activate roaming on their mobile phones in order to receive alerts from local authorities. For those in need of consular assistance, the Irish embassy can be reached at +30 2107232771, and the Honorary Consulate of Ireland in Rhodes can be contacted at +30 2241075655.
It is worth noting that the situation is rapidly developing, and it is essential for Irish citizens to stay informed through official channels and heed the guidance provided by local authorities. The DFA will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary.
In other news, after weeks of wet weather, sunny and dry conditions are finally on the horizon for Ireland. This welcome change in weather is expected to bring relief to those who have endured a prolonged period of rainfall. It is anticipated that the improved conditions will have a positive impact on outdoor activities and boost the spirits of the general public.
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