Department of Foreign Affairs urges Irish citizens to comply with evacuation orders on Greek island of Rhodes

Thousands of tourists and residents have been forced to evacuate several villages on the island. Officials feared that high winds would hamper efforts to contain the flames on Sunday.

The fires have burned for nearly a week on part of the island.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Department has been contacted by a number of Irish citizens impacted by the current fires in Rhodes, Greece.

“The wildfires have caused road closures and extensive damage to property, particularly in the centre of the island, and some areas are being evacuated,” the spokesperson said.

“Irish citizens are being advised to be alert and stay away from the affected areas and to move rapidly out of any areas affected. This is an evolving situation, and citizens should comply with evacuation orders and follow the instructions from the emergency services and local authorities.

“Irish citizens should call the Greek Emergency Services on 112 if they are in immediate danger. People should turn mobile phones on to roaming, to receive alerts from local authorities.

“Temporary shelters have been established by the authorities in Greece for tourists who have had to evacuate their hotels. Citizens should contact their tour operator or agency for information on arrangements and flights.

“Anyone in need of consular assistance can call the Embassy of Ireland in Greece on +30 2107232771 or the Honorary Consulate of Ireland in Rhodes on +30 2241075655. If in Ireland, the Department of Foreign Affairs HQ can be contacted on 01 4082527.

“If citizens are planning to travel to Rhodes, it is important prior to travel that they check with their travel operator or agency, or their hotel, to see if the area they plan to visit is impacted by the current wildfires and evacuations. There is likely to be travel disruption. The Department is advising against travel to the affected areas.”

The travel industry has estimated there are currently around 700 Irish tourists on the island of Rhodes – most of these are in the northern part, away from the fires in the south of the island, it is believed.

Flights

Meanwhile, TUI has stated it is cancelling all outbound flights to Rhodes up to and including July 25, due to the wildfires.

Separately, Ryanair flights to/from Rhodes Airport are currently operating as normal and unaffected by the forest fires.

A Ryanair spokesperson said: “Passengers departing from Rhodes should be advised that we will accept temporary travel documentation issued by the Greek Police.

“The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also set up a helpdesk at Rhodes airport to assist visitors who have lost their travel documents.

“Please check your Ryanair app where you will be notified of any changes to your Ryanair flight.”

Meanwhile TUI told the Irish Independent: “We are working with the local authorities in Rhodes who are managing the movement of people, food and power in the impacted areas of the island

“We have reps on the ground at all evacuation points and have brought in additional team members to Rhodes to support customers in a difficult and evolving situation

“We’ll continue to work with the authorities and do everything we can to assist those affected. “We’re continuing to closely monitor the wildfires in Rhodes which have led to the evacuation of a number of hotels in the South of the island.

“We appreciate how distressing and difficult it is for customers who have been evacuated and ask that they follow the advice of the local authorities who are managing tourist movements in impacted areas.

“Our resort teams are doing everything they can to support customers, working closely with the relevant authorities.

“We have cancelled all outbound flights to Rhodes up to and including Tuesday, and passengers due to travel on Wednesday will be offered a fee free amend to another holiday.

“Those customers currently in Rhodes will return on their intended flight home. The safety and well-being of our customers and teams remains our top priority.”

TRAVEL AGENTS

The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) are advising holiday makers on the island of Rhodes to follow local advice. The group said most Irish tourists are in the northern areas of Rhodes which are unaffected. The wildfires are in the south east corner of the island.

A spokesperson for ITAA said: “If you are in an area affected and have been advised to evacuate, please do so and keep in contact with the local tour operator staff on the ground. Alternatively contact your tour operator or the travel agent you booked your holiday with for assistance.

“If possible keep your mobile phone charged and turn it onto roaming to receive alerts from local authorities.”

Meanwhile, the travel industry has estimated there are currently around 700 Irish tourists on the island of Rhodes.

Most of these are in the northern part, away from the fires in the south of the island, it is believed.

Anyone whose flights are cancelled, will be offered another trip to a different location, though they may be asked to pay for additional charges, or they may be offered a refund or rebooking options.