Is it secure to journey to Greece? The newest recommendation as wildfires rage
Tour operators have additionally been working onerous as they flew numerous holidaymakers house on Monday because the fires raged by way of the Greek islands.
According to native news station Ellada 24, that is the nation’s largest ever fire evacuation operation, with more than 19,000 people being removed from Rhodes.
On Sunday, evacuation orders had been issued for Corfu on account of fires that began within the north-east of the island.
Is it secure to journey to Greece?
According to the latest Foreign Office advice, it’s best to examine together with your travel agent or lodge earlier than travelling you probably have any plans to go to any components of Greece which can be experiencing wildfires.
The Foreign Office stated: “There are a number of active wildfires in Greece due to the dry and hot weather. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable.
“If you are planning to travel to any areas affected by wildfires, please check with your travel operator or hotel prior to travel that the area you plan to visit [is safe].
“The situation can change quickly, so you should stay up to date with official advice, follow 112 Greece on Twitter for official updates (you may need to translate the tweets to English). Ensure emergency alerts are enabled on your phone to receive SMS updates from the Greek Civil Protection.”
The Greek authorities has arrange a disaster administration unit to assist individuals in Rhodes. Contact employees at +30 210 368 1730 or dial +44 20 7008 5000 for round the clock British consulate assist.
Which airways are flying to Greece?
Jet2 and Tui have cancelled all flights and holidays to Rhodes as much as and together with Sunday July 30. Several journey companies and airways are actually cancelling flights to Rhodes.
There isn’t any assurance that you’ll obtain your cash refunded in case you determine to not journey except the Foreign Office advises you to take action or the airline or tour operator cancels your journey.
Most insurance coverage coverage claims solely cowl journey cancellations in particular conditions, such sickness, a dying within the household or an unusually lengthy delay to a flight taking off.
Additionally, airways will not be obligated to reimburse you in case you cancel a visit due to unavoidable circumstances.
That stated, you could be eligible to request a refund underneath the provisions of your insurance coverage protection you probably have a pre-existing medical situation and visiting Greece might pose a well being threat.
As a results of the temperatures, some journey trade professionals have speculated that airways would offer some compensation.
Which islands are affected?
Rhodes is the biggest island affected by the fires and 19,000 residents have been evacuated.
As nicely as Rhodes, Corfu is affected by wildfires. Follow native officers’ directions about when to evacuate in case you are on trip in Corfu. Call your lodge or a journey agent in case you are undecided in case you are affected.
There are additionally wildfires on Evia and Kos. The southern portion of Evia has been badly affected and 5 villages, Livadi, Potami, Pernaraki, Platanistos and Kastro, are significantly harmful.