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Rhodes Island has been witnessing violent wildfires since July 19 of this year. This one is believed to involve the largest evacuation of the local residents and the tourists. These wildfires are getting further fuelled by the extreme hot & dry weather and heatwave that has been so eminent during this year’s summer as compared to the last 50 years.
The response has been immediate wherein firefighting planes and teams had arrived from France, Italy, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. The Fire department had informed that around 19,000 people, including residents and tourists, have been evacuated by land and sea to safer areas as the blazes are fast spreading uncontrollably. The situation is such that people are staying in school buildings, indoor stadiums in order to spend the night. No one has been hurt in the last five days since the wildfires have erupted. Up till yesterday, around nine people have been hospitalised as they were suffering from respiratory problems and one of them included a man who suffered injuries as he fell from the hotel during the evacuation. Tourism and the routine life have already been affected. But even more saddening is the loss of environment with mesmerizing greenery and many animals who are now reduced to ash.
Forest fires in India
There were 337 large forest fires in India as of March 14 this year as per the reports by Forest Survey of India. There can be varying reasons for the eruption of these fires such as dryness in forests, throwing burning cigarettes/bidis, etc. These forest fires pose great threat to the lives of humans & animals, livelihood, environment in terms of loss of biodiversity and also to the air quality.
It’s not just Greece that has experiences the hottest and the warmest days along with increased heatwave but also India that witnessed its hottest February month this year. Due to such prevailing weather conditions, forest fires are inevitable.
Keeping oneself safe during Forest Fires
It is important to know the various safeguards one can practice to protect their health and life if ever one witnesses these uncontrollable forest fires. Various instructions involve staying updated with the local weather forecasts especially while residing in areas highly prone to such fires, exposure to the smoke should be avoided as it can prove fatal to one’s health, avoiding the usage of candles, wood-burning stoves, fireplaces and paying attention to the evacuation steps that can be followed during such emergencies.
