Irish tourists currently in or travelling to Greece have been issued with a rather worrying warning from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Wildfires have wreaked havoc in tourist destinations popular amongst Irish holidaymakers. Dozens of people in various parts of the country have been hospitalised as a result of smoke inhalation.
Tourist hotspots including Athens have been labelled as “high risk”. Zante, Kefalonia and Chios, which are popular destinations for Irish tourists have been severely affected by the blazes. There have also been evacuations in several parts of the country.
The current blistering heatwave throughout much of southern Europe is contributing to the spread of the wildfires in Greece. There have also been wildfires in parts of Spain; Turkey; Albania and Portugal. Three people have died as a result.
The current warning on the DFA website reads: “Greece is currently facing several wildfires following high summer temperatures and subsequent heatwaves. The risk of wildfires is expected to intensify in the coming weeks.
(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“In the case of a wildfire, the authorities will issue notifications regarding evacuations via the 112 message service to all mobile phones in the area. These will be provided in both English and Greek, and we would ask citizens to follow any advice received from local authorities.
“Stay fully informed of what is going on by monitoring local news and social media. Call the Greek Emergency Services on 112 if in immediate danger,” the DFA added.
Temperatures are expected to remain in the mid-30s in Greece for the next several days at least. Wall to wall sunshine is also forecast which will hinder the authorities as they attempt to battle the blazes.
“Winds are strong and the wildfire is out of control,” Zakynthos mayor Yiorgos Stasinopoulos told Greek public broadcaster ERT.
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