Swedes have been able to return to their hotels after being evacuated from the fire-ravaged island of Kos in Greece.
On Monday evening, the island's mayor, Theodosis Nikitaras, described the situation as critical.
It was at half past seven that the authorities issued an evacuation order for people in the Kardamena area. Tour operators Tui, Apollo, and Ving had tourists who were evacuated.
The firefighting efforts continued throughout the night and by morning, the fire is expected to be under control, writes the Greek newspaper Kathimerini. Over 100 firefighters have worked on extinguishing the fire. In the past 24 hours, 52 fires have broken out in the country, with 44 being put out early, reports AP.
Taken to football stadium
In the evening, tourists and residents, including several Swedes, were taken to school classrooms and a football stadium in nearby Antimachia.
"There is a great need for food and water", wrote the island's mayor, Theodosis Nikitaras, in a statement during the evening. He emphasized that the situation on the island was critical and urged islanders to help in the crisis efforts.
According to Tui, around 50 Swedes were evacuated from three hotels and were able to return on Tuesday morning.
Departures unaffected
Apollo and Ving also had Swedish tourists who were evacuated to other hotels during the night.
Apollo has around 80 travelers on Kos and four of the hotels were evacuated. Ving has 23 travelers in the area, with five people evacuated. Ving's other travelers have also been offered alternative hotels, which some have chosen to move to.
None of the tour operators have trips to Kos on Tuesday. Ving has its first trip on Friday and it is planned as usual.
The airport has been open and fully operational throughout this time, says Claes Pellvik, communications manager at Ving, to TT.
