Second Greek island evacuates tourists as wildfires rip through Corfu

Wildfires have broken out in a second Greek island are more villages and towns are at risk of being destroyed and holidaymakers are being evacuated.

Northeast of the Ionian island is being evacuated and holidaymakers and residents in Porta, Palia Perithia, Sinies, Megoula and Santa have been told by the emergency communications service to immediately head to the village of Kassiopi.

As it gets darker we can see how this fire has rapidly spread across the mountain lighting up the sky across from Corfu town. #heatwave #wildfire #greece pic.twitter.com/obC5lwrn1X

— Katy Dartford (@cayteye) July 23, 2023

The coastal village of Kassiopi is where sea evacuations have taken place which involved coast guard vessels and nine private vessels to rescue 59 people.

Mountain of fire, Kassiopi, Corfu, Greece. #corfu pic.twitter.com/PRBqA3I4xE

— Ronan McGreevy (@RMcGreevy1301) July 23, 2023

TUI are warning against travelling to certain hotels in Corfu and others are operating as normal as they are unaffected by the wildfires.

TUI said in a tweet, “If you’re travelling to Corfu on 24/25 July and are staying at the TUI Blue Atlantica Nissaki Beach, Pantokrator, Golden Mare, La Riviera or Nautilusue then we advise not to travel to the airport. Other hotels are operating as normal.”

#corfu within the last hour just above Ypsos pic.twitter.com/4fJ6IKrETP

— pete (@petemedical) July 23, 2023

On Sunday night Greece ordered the evacuation of 12 more areas of Corfu as people in Rou, Katavolo, Kentroma, Tritsi, Kokokila, Sarakiniatika, Plagia, Kalami, Vlachatika and Kavalerena were told to move to Ipsos.