Fire still raging (13:30) - Coast Guard boats on standby in Acharavi
CORFU. The situation remains difficult with the winds strengthening.
(13:30) The battle with the flames is continuing in northeastern Corfu, with active fronts in Loutses, Lafki, Viglatsouri and Old Perithia, according to the Fire Department. Since the early hours, there have been serious flare-ups, and the winds have intensified up to Force 5.
The fire has approached houses and the residents of the village of Lafki are on standby to be evacuated.
The North Corfu Civil Protection Service is evacuating residents from Loutses to Acharavi. As a precaution, people are also being evacuated from Old Perithia. So far, no damage to houses has been reported.
A firefighting jeep carrying the commanders of the Corfu forces got trapped in Loutses and required a firefighting vehicle to rescue them, according to ERT.
The situation remains difficult as the fire has still not been contained.
In the entire area, 68 firefighters are operating, along with two ground units, 21 vehicles, one helicopter and three aircraft, as well as water-carrying vehicles from the Municipality of North Corfu, equipped with excavation machinery and volunteers.
Coast Guard on standby in Acharavi
According to the Coast Guard, two Coast Guard boats are on standby at Acharavi beach to provide assistance if needed due to the evacuation of Loutses.
Apart from Loutses and Perithia, some houses in the area of Petroulia were also evacuated on Monday night.
It is advisable to avoid travelling to the northeastern part of the island as the fire is still ongoing.
CHRISTINA GEREKOU - MARIA BAZDRIYIANNI
