Raging wildfires spread across Greek island holiday hotspot as hotels and homes are ‘evacuated'
The night sky was turned orange as the burning blazes left a trail of destruction in their wake in Crete.
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Firefighters and volunteers work at the scene of a wildfire in Ierapetra, on Crete island, Greec
Credit: EPA
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The wifldfire raging
Credit: EPA
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Tourists evacuate a hotel, during a wildfire
Credit: EPA
Authorities said evacuations were ordered at three sites outside the port of Ierapetra on the island's south coast.
More than 150 firefighters were operating in the area, while water-dropping planes and helicopters remained grounded overnight.
Several locals were treated for breathing difficulties, according to officials.
Thick smoke was seen rising into the night sky as the wildfires continued to spread towards residential areas.
Despite the size of the blaze
there have been no immediate reports of serious
injuries, said officials.
Homes were reported damaged as flames swept through hillside forests, fanned by strong winds.
It comes after wildfires in Turkey spread across holiday hotspots and caused chaos.
Wildfires erupted in popular areas Kuyucak and Doganbey fanned overnight by winds which reached 25-30mph.
Most read in The Sun
Four villages and two neighbourhoods were forced to evacuate, Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said.
And while those in Sakarya and Manisa are now largely under control, Izmir remains a hotspot for the flames.
Adnan Menderes Airport was forced to temporarily close due to the raging
Extinguishing efforts prevented jets from taking off or landing at the airport on Sunday.
Meanwhile, a
The 67-year-old man passed away on the vessel "flying the Maltese flag" in the port of holiday hotspot.
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