Tourists on the popular holiday island of Crete were seen witnessing a horror unfold before their eyes today.
Raging wildfires forced evacuations from hotels and homes in Crete as flames were seen spreading rapidly.
Local media outlets have shared how the situation is getting worse by the second, and that’s why tourists were forced to flee the famous Greek Island and take shelter away from hotels inside basketball courts as the fires ravaged the landscape and burned buildings nearby.
Evacuation orders were issued for three areas in Crete, near the southern part of Lérapetra.
The flames tore through hillside forests and got more intense due to fanning from powerful winds. As a result, many homes and hotels were damaged in the aftermath.
The fires illuminated the night sky, cresting over the hills, and they inched towards the residential areas. Several locals were rushed to the nearby hospital with complaints of breathing issues. However, no serious injuries have been reported so far.
Authorities have confirmed that more than 1500 people were moved out of their homes and hotels, with the figures expected to rise overnight.
More than 150 firefighters are battling the blaze currently, while water-dropping planes remained grounded overnight.