The fire front in Kythera remains out of control, as the large fire that broke out Saturday morning continues to burn areas of the island. Since the early hours of Sunday morning, a new evacuation warning message was sent via the emergency number “112” for the areas of Venetsianika and Pitsinades, heading towards Livadi, while residents and authorities remain on red alert.

Firefighting operations under suffocating conditions

According to the fire brigade, 34 firefighters with 15 vehicles are operating in the area, supported by 14 people in foot patrols. Three helicopters and two aircraft have been making drops since dawn, but strong and constantly changing winds are hampering their work. Residents are making constant calls for more air assets, complaining of a delay in yesterday’s drops.

“Half the island has been burned”

The seriousness of the situation has been confirmed by local authorities. The deputy mayor of Kythera, George Komninos, spoke of an unprecedented ecological and social disaster. “Half of the island has been burned,” he said, describing in dramatic tones the extent of the damage. As he stressed, the fire started near the Kythera Hospital and followed almost the same route as in 2017, but this year causing incomparably greater destruction.

Disasters in villages, crops and tourist areas

According to the data so far, severe damage has been recorded in at least three villages, and logging crews are expected to accurately record the losses. The flames have already destroyed houses, beehives, olive groves and agricultural forests. Melidoni beach, known for its tourist traffic, has also been severely damaged.

Danger to monasteries and residential areas

The deputy mayor warned of the risk of destroying a historic monastery if firefighting operations are not immediately stepped up. Despite Saturday’s efforts, he noted that the lack of a continuous air presence allowed for a resurgence. “The canopies came in, made drops for an hour and left. Then the fire got away,” he said, stressing that the winds were constantly changing direction, driving the fire even into virgin areas.

Threat to human lives

The possibility that human lives could be at risk is becoming a nightmare scenario.“If firefighting is not immediately stepped up, people will be burned as well,” Komnenos warned, making an urgent call for reinforcement of forces. He said westerly winds are expected to intensify, which could drive the fire into residential areas.

Tourism is also under threat

So far there has been no mass exodus of tourists, but the situation is fluid. The mayor of Kythera believes that if the fire front is not quickly brought under control, the island is at risk of a total tourist disaster.“If the fire is not contained, everyone will leave,” he said anxiously.