ΓΙΩΡΓΟΣ ΚΟΝΤΑΡΙΝΗΣ/EUROKINISSI /The Ministry of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni
The recent wildfire that broke out in Rethymno initially caused widespread concern among residents, local authorities, and visitors, but the aftermath finds the region thoroughly protected, secured, and its people completely safe. Amidst the tension of the first few hours, what won the day was exemplary human coordination, the swift response of civil protection, and dedicated care for every single visitor and resident. The Ministry of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni and the broader state apparatus acted promptly and in unison, sending a reassuring message of safety to the international tourism market and the entire country.
By:Christen Papas
From the very first moment the crisis unfolded and flames threatened populated areas, a massive and impeccably organized preventive evacuation operation was launched, with the sole objective of ensuring that not a single human life was endangered. Approximately 40 tourist coaches and intercity transit (KTEL) buses were deployed immediately to the front lines. Drivers, support crews, and personnel coordinated with absolute composure to transport hundreds of tourists and permanent residents away from the hazardous fire fronts to safe assembly and hosting points.
For those citizens and visitors who had to leave their hotels, rented rooms, or homes, the Greek state immediately activated the specialized digital emergency accommodation management platform for victims of forest fires. This platform proved invaluable, offering an immediate and practical solution by securing a safe, comfortable, and warm temporary home for the difficult first hours of the ordeal.
Photo by/EUROKINISSI
Today, a sense of calm is steadily returning to Rethymno. Thanks to the outstanding, multi-level cooperation among all competent authorities, the Fire Service, local government, law enforcement, and local tourism stakeholders, the immediate danger has passed. Tourists and residents are already returning with complete safety to their accommodations to resume their summer holidays, sightseeing, and daily routines seamlessly.
The Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, closely monitoring the situation from the very beginning, issued an official statement outlining the complete picture and delivering a clear message of stability and readiness.
The Official Statement of Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni
"From the outset of the wildfire in Rethymno, the Greek government acted quickly and effectively. Approximately 40 tourist coaches and intercity buses were deployed to safely transport residents and visitors evacuated from the affected areas.
At the same time, through the special emergency accommodation management platform for those affected by wildfires, temporary housing was secured for everyone impacted.
Thanks to the excellent coordination of all relevant authorities, evacuees are now safely returning to their accommodations to continue their holidays as normal.
The safety of residents and visitors remains our absolute priority."
Photo by/EUROKINISSI
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Rethymno Wildfire
- How were tourists transported from the affected areas in Rethymno?
Approximately 40 tourist coaches and intercity buses (KTEL) were deployed immediately for the preventive, rapid, and completely safe evacuation of visitors and residents.
- Where were the evacuees due to the fire accommodated?
The Greek government activated the specialized digital emergency accommodation management platform, providing free temporary lodging in safe accommodations for everyone directly affected by the wildfire.
- Is it safe to visit Rethymno now?
Yes, absolutely. According to the official statement by Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni, tourists are returning safely to their hotels and holidays are continuing as normal, as the coordination of the authorities has fully restored normality.
