Wildfires continue to ravage Greece for the seventh consecutive day, with firefighters struggling to contain the infernos while the nation faces its largest-ever evacuation of tourists on the island of Rhodes. Authorities, supported by water-dropping planes, are working tirelessly to control the flames, focusing their efforts on dousing fires in Evia and Corfu, in addition to Rhodes. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis declared that the country is "at war with fire," as the battle remains difficult due to harsh conditions and rising temperatures. Thousands of residents and tourists have been forced to evacuate their homes and hotels as the fires spread, leaving behind scenes of pandemonium.

On Corfu's northern coast, approximately 2,466 citizens fled 17 villages, including popular areas frequented by villa-owning Britons. Evacuations also took place on the island of Evia, compounding the challenges faced by Greek authorities. The largest evacuation in Greek history occurred on Rhodes, where 19,000 people, mostly tourists, were moved to safer areas across land and sea. Holidaymakers described harrowing moments of being transported to beaches in the middle of the night in army trucks before boarding Greek navy ships. Some tourists expressed frustration with tour operators, alleging inadequate treatment and lack of communication during the evacuation process. Greece experienced its hottest temperatures in 50 years, with the mercury reaching a scorching 45°C in the central region of Thessaly. The hot and dry conditions, coupled with strong winds, have created the perfect conditions for the rapid spread of fires. The priority for Greek authorities remains safeguarding human life, and evacuations have been enacted as a precautionary measure to protect residents and tourists. The tourism sector is crucial to Greece's economy, contributing 25% of the country's GDP and supporting one in five jobs. In light of the disaster, the focus is now on rebuilding and salvaging the image of Greece as a tourist destination.

The fires have resulted in numerous losses of homes, businesses, and arable land, with the full extent of the damage yet to be assessed. Experts will fly into the affected regions to evaluate the scale of the disaster, initiating the process of compensatory payments. In the face of the calamity, firefighting forces from around the world have arrived in Greece to assist in bringing the wildfires under control. As the battle against the blazes continues, Greece remains resolute in its efforts to protect its people and restore its cherished tourist industry.