Thousands Evacuated as Firefighters Battle Wildfires in Crete

On Friday, firefighters continued to battle wildfires near Athens and on the island of Crete.

Thousands were forced to abandon the island's holiday resorts, while blazes in neighboring Turkey claimed at least two lives.

More than 5000 tourists, hotel workers and residents were evacuated from Crete's southern coast, authorities and hotel association officials said. 

Many people escaped into the sea and were rescued by local fishermen and divers.

Ierapetra Mayor Manolis Frangoulis said firefighters working to prevent the fires to take advantage of a lull in high winds. 

"Thankfully no one was hurt but it's a difficult situation," he added.

Tourists were relocated to other hotels or spent the night in an indoor basketball stadium. 

Several homes and businesses were damaged. 

In the same context, a wildfire near the port of Rafina disrupted local ferry services to the islands. 

Police visited every home to help elderly residents while carrying out an evacuation order.