Mario, Michael and Manuel V., from Stockerau, have been on holiday on the Greek island of Rhodes since July 16th, where dramatic moments have been unfolding since Wednesday. A large fire broke out and spread across the center of the island, despite the efforts of firefighters and firefighting aircraft. The flaming inferno is not coming to an end. The three brothers decided not to return home early.
As planned, they will remain on the island for another week – and will help where their help is needed. The three long time guests from Rhodes know the area and the local people. “That’s why we have the contacts”, explains Manuel V. They went to a coordination centre, where they received instructions for the relief effort.
Everyone really cares about each Manuel V.
Equipped with face masks, long pants and sturdy shoes, they drove to Lardos, for example, in their rented vehicle: they help with the supply of clean water and support older residents or people with disabilities so that they can leave their homes.
“Everyone really takes care of everyone else”, says Manuel V. Businessmen make their assets available – especially water -, buses are used for evacuation and firefighters receive support from Europe: France, Italy, Romania, Poland and Slovakia have pledged their help. There is great despair on the ground.
Tears and panic: holiday island in state of emergency
Valisik describes how villagers leave their homes crying with essential items when villages are evacuated. He notes “full panic” leading to car accidents. The streets are completely overcrowded – with people arriving safely on foot. Others try to put out the fires on their own. Firefighters are exhausted – and lie down next to emergency vehicles on the ground to sleep.
The island is experiencing power cuts in some areas, smoke can be seen in many places. The evacuation of other settlements began on Saturday: Asklipion, Kiotari and Lardos. The islanders know the fires of the past: “But they never experienced anything like this,” Stockerauer learned in conversations. Greece is facing a heat wave and the drought has increased the risk of wildfires.
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state of emergency on vacation
Blazing Hell in Rhodes: Three Stockerauer brothers help out on the ground. The center of the island of Rhodes is on fire – and despair is high. Mario, Michael and Manuel V. don’t fly home early, but they help residents whenever they can.
The three brothers can retire to their hotel, very close to the sea, where they are on safe ground. Other tourists have already left. Firefighting planes being supplied with seawater are regularly sighted.
Manuel V. says that the firefighters’ hands are tied: the fire can no longer be controlled. “30 percent of the island is on fire,” he says. The fire is now expected to spread towards the sea. The fire department is trying to prevent the fire from spreading to the side.