Holidaymakers and locals have been forced out due to wildfires
The Greek government says the evacuation of holidaymaker's and locals in Rhodes is the largest in its history.
A reported 30-thousand people have had to flee because wildfires have spread across the island, and temperatures have reached over 40 degrees.
A number of airlines have cancelled flights to Rhodes that were supposed to depart today.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is advising Irish citizens in Rhodes to be alert and stay away from areas affected by wildfires.
A spokesperson says the Department has been contacted by a number of Irish citizens impacted by the fires.
They also say that anyone planning to travel to the island should check with their travel operator or hotel to see if the area they are planning to travel to is impacted by the wildfires.
Firefighters from eight European countries are either already helping or are due to arrive soon.
British holidaymaker Ian Murrison described the chaos of the evacuation.
“It was literally like it was literally like the end of the world,” he said.
“The flames were now far more visible - suddenly they were leaking flames into the sky.
He said evacuation was “incredibly stressful” for him and his family.
“Particularly when they said women and children [to evacuate],” he said. “I kissed them goodbye [and my wife] thought that might be the last time she saw me.”
