UK tourists warned wildfires have broken out in popular travel hotspots
Wildfires have broken out across Greece and people have been told to evacuate amid a national emergency - and UK holidaymakers are being warned about the blazes
Flames spread rapidly across a large area due to strong winds after a wildfire in the Fotia region of Patra, Greece.
(Image: Yannis Andritsopoulos/Anadolu via Getty Images)
British holidaymakers are being cautioned about wildfires erupting throughout Greece. Emergency crews are tackling blazes whilst residents have been evacuated from areas surrounding the Ionian islands.
Authorities have mandated the evacuation of numerous villages as severe drought conditions and powerful winds have accelerated the fire's spread. Significant blazes have been burning across Zante, Kefalonia and Chios.
Greek officials have confirmed that forests, agricultural land and properties have sustained damage nationwide.
Additional structures affected include storage facilities, farm buildings, small churches and retail premises.
This development follows warnings to tourists about extreme temperatures expected in Spain following the declaration of an uncommon "red" emergency alert there. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
The Hellenic Fire Service confirmed that dozens of firefighters have been combating a blaze in Kefalonia's Athera region.
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A statement posted on its X account read: "Fire in an agroforestry area in the Athera region, #Kefalonia .
"32 #firefighters were mobilized with 2 groups of hikers of the 16th #EMODE , volunteers, 8 vehicles and 2 helicopters. Assistance from local water authorities.", reports Chronicle Live.
Greek emergency services have reportedly confronted approximately 106 fires nationwide.
Roughly 63 of these incidents are believed to have been logged on Tuesday, according to the Mirror.
Greek authorities have declared elevated fire risks across the following areas: The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has issued over a dozen evacuation orders for parts of western Greece.
In an announcement made on Wednesday, officials highlighted a high risk on the mainland and Ionian islands.
It will keep you abreast with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East.
Greek authorities have called for EU firefighting aircraft in an effort to halt the spread of the blaze.
Holidaymakers caught up in the swift advance of the flames have been evacuated from beaches on Chios.
The most significant fire ignited near Flogeraika, in western Achaia, yesterday.
Officials subsequently evacuated all surrounding villages and settlements.
The mayor of western Achaia described the fires in the region as "out of control."
Grigoris Alexopoulos stated yesterday that some coastal areas were "irreparably damaged."
Greek authorities cautioned that conditions could worsen in the upcoming days.
Several homes have been razed in Agalas village in Zakynthos. Three distinct fires have reportedly been spotted near Koiliomeno, Keri and Lithakia.
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Enormous fires have been observed spreading across the countryside in Vounteni, on the outskirts of Patras. The fires could be seen consuming much of the nearby hills as residents fled.
The fires in Greece have occurred amidst soaring temperatures across Europe. Red heat alerts have been issued in regions of Italy, Spain and Portugal with temperatures reaching a sweltering 44C in Seville and Cordoba.
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