Thousands flee Greek island as high winds cause wildfire to spread

In total, around 5,000 people are said to be affected.

Flames rise during a forest fire on the island of Rhodes, Greece, Saturday, July 22, 2023. Picture: Argyris Mantikos/Eurokinissi via AP

Thousands of people have been evacuated from the Greek island of Rhodes after wildfires spread large parts of the island.

In previous days the wildfire was confined to the island’s mountainous centre, but aided by winds, very high temperatures and dry conditions, it spread on Saturday towards the coast on the island’s central-eastern side.