A massive wildfire is tearing through the Greek island of Crete, forcing the evacuation of at least 1,500 people from villages, tourist resorts and coastal hotels as strong winds fuel the blaze’s rapid advance.
The fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon in the forested hills near Lerapetra.
Crete is one of Greece’s most popular destinations for both foreign and domestic tourists.
Gale-force winds, gusting up to eight on the Beaufort scale, have driven flames southward across a front now stretching more than 6km, emergency services said.
The fast-moving blaze has already destroyed homes and rental properties in settlements such as Agia Fotia, where local reports say power has been cut.
Authorities have closed major roads near the fire zone and urged residents and holidaymakers to avoid non-essential travel due to hazardous air quality, intense heat and falling ash.
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