Wildfires Near Italian Airport Disrupt British Tourists' Mediterranean Holidays
Palermo Airport on the island of Sicily, a favored landing destination for British tourists embarking on their Mediterranean holidays, faced closure in the early hours of Tuesday as wildfires encroached upon the airport perimeter.
The Fiery Incident at Palermo Airport
The scorching temperatures on the island, soaring to a staggering 47°C, contributed to the adverse conditions that led to the temporary shutdown of Palermo Airport. The severe heatwave sweeping across southern Europe has taken a toll on Italy, with 16 of its cities, including Palermo and Catania on Sicily, put on red alert.
Local Struggles Amidst the Heatwave
As the heatwave persisted, Palermo and other areas on the island experienced power cuts and water supply issues, exacerbating the challenging situation. The local authorities attributed some of these problems to the extreme weather conditions.
Firefighters Battling the Blaze
Firefighters valiantly battled the flames that threatened both the airport and the surrounding regions. The situation also caused disruptions to local rail and road traffic, adding to the complexity of the situation.
Island of Sicily: A Region in Distress
The wildfires were not confined to Palermo Airport alone; the Greek island of Rhodes also faced significant fires in the same period. In response, eight flights were canceled, and the airport aimed to resume operations at 11 am local time on Tuesday, thanks to the relentless efforts of firefighters combating the blaze.
Evacuations and Tragedy
As the wildfires raged near the seaside resort of Mondello on the island, approximately 120 families were evacuated from their homes. Tragically, a devastating loss was reported near Palermo, where an 88-year-old woman lost her life in the fires.
Greek Island of Rhodes' Struggle
The situation was even more dire on the Greek island of Rhodes, where around 19,000 people had to be evacuated due to the wildfires. Many found themselves taking refuge at the airport while facing uncertainty and challenging conditions. Meanwhile, Corfu saw an evacuation of an additional 2,500 people in response to the fires.
British Tourists Caught in the Chaos
The unfortunate events disrupted the plans of an estimated 10,000 British tourists who were on the island of Rhodes before the evacuations commenced. The extreme temperatures, reaching above 35°C, have prompted concerns and warnings from different quarters.
Safety Concerns and Warnings
An easyJet pilot, just moments before take-off from London Gatwick to Rhodes, warned passengers against traveling to Rhodes for holidays under the present circumstances. While some British airlines and tour operators have canceled flights to and from Rhodes, others like easyJet and Ryanair continue their operations as usual.
Assurances from Governments and Officials
Despite the pilot's warning, both the UK government and Greek officials have assured tourists that Rhodes and Corfu remain safe and open for business. Safety measures are in place to address the situation and cater to the needs of visitors.
The incidents at Palermo Airport and on the Greek island of Rhodes serve as a stark reminder of the impact of wildfires and extreme weather conditions on popular tourist destinations. Authorities continue their efforts to combat the blazes, ensure the safety of residents and tourists, and restore normalcy in the affected regions. For now, visitors planning to travel to these areas should stay updated on the latest developments and follow any advice or guidelines issued by local authorities.