ADVERTISEMENTTourists and residents on the Greek island of Crete have been forced to evacuate due to fast-moving wildfires.
The flames, whipped by gale-force winds, burned through the night and into Thursday, causing more than 1,500 people to flee hotels and homes.
Here’s what you need to know if you are visiting the island or have a trip booked.
Tourists evacuated as wildfires burn on Crete
Wildfires have burned through forest and farmland in Crete’s Ierapetra area on the island’s southern coast.
Hundreds of firefighters backed up by 10 water-dropping aircraft have been battling the flames.
Two people were evacuated by boat overnight, while six private boats were on standby in case further evacuations by sea became necessary, the coast guard said.
Homes were reported damaged as flames swept through hillside forests, fanned by strong winds.
“It’s a very difficult situation. The fire is very hard to contain. Right now, they cannot contain it,” Nektarios Papadakis, a civil protection official at the regional authority, told The Associated Press overnight.
“The tourists who were moved out are all okay. They have been taken to an indoor basketball arena and hotels in other regions of the island,” he said.
The Fire Service and a civil protection agency issued mobile phone alerts for the evacuations and appealed to residents not to return to try to save their property.
Is it safe to travel to Crete?
Crete is one of Greece’s most popular destinations for both foreign and domestic tourists.
The risk of wildfires remained very high across Crete and parts of southern Greece on Thursday, according to a daily bulletin issued by the Fire Service.
Wildfires are frequent in the country during its hot, dry summers, and the fire department has already tackled dozens across Greece so far this year.
The UK’s Foreign Office (FCDO) advises tourists: “There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. Ensure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location.
“Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly.”
However, no foreign governments have issued warnings against travelling to the country so far.
If I cancel my trip to Crete, am I entitled to a refund?
Without an official ‘no-go’ warning from foreign governments, travellers who choose to cancel their trip to Crete are unlikely to receive reimbursement or compensation, as this is considered “disinclination to travel”.
The vast majority of travel insurance policies will also not cover situations of “loss of enjoyment” due to wildfires, which includes being unable to leave your hotel.
Travellers can only expect refunds if their flights or accommodation are cancelled by airlines, providers or tour companies.
Some insurance policies include trip disruption or natural disaster cover, which usually applies to wildfire-related issues, but not every company will offer this, so make sure you have the correct insurance before you leave.